Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Intro

           After viewing the video 'What are Virtual and Augmented Realities?' by ColdStone, I learned a lot about them both. Virtual Reality is a computer simulation that takes the user to another reality by essentially blocking out their current reality. It plays on the senses to virtually take people somewhere else and allow them to interact with this new virtual environment. According to the video, virtual reality is now used by a variety of industries including education. I've had the pleasure of using some of the less intense VR programs using the smart phone and VR goggles. My favorite ride at Disney World is Soarin' Around the World which is a ride that uses virtual reality to essentially make you feel as if you traveled around the world by flight. Augmented reality is taking your current reality and adding to it. It is essentially adding virtual experiences to what you already see. Recent common examples being used in large number are the Pokemon Go game and Snapchat. Technology exists that is even more intensive than these programs, though.
            Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have many uses within the classroom. As a Geography teacher, I would love to essentially take my students around the world to see the human and physical characteristics of areas that they likely will never have the opportunity to physically visit. In science, students could visit different biomes or see the habitat of various animals. In English, students could visit scenes of a novel that they are reading. As far as augmented reality goes, I was not so sure so I had to do some research. I accessed an article on the Multiple Uses of Augmented Reality in Education by Emerging Ed Tech. I learned that teachers could add puzzles, videos, etc. to scavenger hunts or additional virtual information when accessing certain points in the classroom. Come to think of it, I had experienced A.R. in the classroom before. During our book fair, students were allowed to get out their phone and use them. When Q.R. codes were accessed, video and other digital information popped up. This is a really cool way to get students up and moving. Also, there could be a 'hide and seek' aspect of A.R. so that it is sort of like a puzzle. My students love this type of thing and I use breakoutedu throughout the year to challenge their teamwork and puzzle solving skills.



Articles/videos referenced in this blog:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9MwaH6oGEY&feature=youtu.be

https://www.emergingedtech.com/2018/08/multiple-uses-of-augmented-reality-in-education/