Augmented Awesomeness: Augmented Reality in the Classroom

During January 24th-26th will be EduCon 2.6 in Philadelphia, an innovation conference where we can come together, both in person and virtually, to discuss the future of schools.  I am humbled and excited that my proposal about our student inquiry group for augmented reality application Aurasma was selected for the conference. Read the description here: 

5th-8th graders came together on Wednesdays to experiment with a promising application, Aurasma, that makes creating interactive experiences a snap through layering virtual objects over images in the Greene Street Library. What was gained from this experiment? How can you harness the potential of augmented reality in your school?

Aurasma (www.aurasma.com) is a FREE app for iOS and Android devices that brings the potential of augmented reality into your hands. Intuitive and simplified, with Aurasma you can begin to layer virtual objects (videos, animations, pop-ups, links, etc.) over trigger images in your camera’s view. Think QR Codes, but instead of those squares, actual art and full scale images. At Greene Street Friends School in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, a “Choices” group (synonymous with electives) of 5th-8th graders spent their Wednesday afternoons experimenting with the application within the GSFS Library. As more schools come to embrace BYOD and 1-to-1 technology integration models, teachers and administrators can find innovative ways to use this technology to engage and interest students, create new outlets for students to display and reflect upon their work, and also redefine the way that students can interact with print texts. Students from the project shall be on hand to discuss their experience, what they enjoyed, and the potential pitfalls.

(see this on the Educon website: http://bit.ly/JBe3bR)

Building up towards this presentation, I have created a Google document that I will be evolving until presentation day (read as mostly over the break). I’m excited about the opportunity to present alongside some of the 5th-8th graders that were apart of the project. If you would like to join in the conversation, here’s the link to the Google Doc: http://bit.ly/educonAR 

You can also find me on Twitter at @edinterwebs.