Blog 9: AR/VR in the Media Center - Check Out Wonderscope!
Hello everyone!
Have you ever wanted to integrate VR / AR into your media center or classroom but felt that it was out of reach due to the startup cost? Maybe you felt intimidated by the technology requirements? These are big hurdles for anyone that is interested in VR/AR integration but don’t worry, there are levels of tech and cost that can fit every school. I believe that the media center is a great place for items such as headsets and AR/VR stations because it allows for different classes to use the technology but these items could be purchased / integrated by department or individual teachers.
Before you begin your AR/VR journey there are some things you need to consider. First, you will need to assess what your needs are and determine if AR/VR is going to meet those needs (Young, 2020). Sometimes in schools there is a big push to use technology for technology’s sake. As media specialists, we know that technology is amazing but we want to be sure that we are intentional in its implementation and not just jumping on a trend without making sure it is the right fit for our program (Massis, 2015).
If you feel that AR / VR is a good fit for your program, you can begin to research ways to incorporate these technologies.
Let’s also take a moment to explore the difference between AR and VR. People sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they really are two different things.
AR, or Augmented reality takes the real world around you and adds to it. Pokemon Go, for example, is a popular AR game. Players use their phones to interact with Pokemon in the world around them - you might see a Charizard on your coffee table or a Squirtle in your front yard.
Virtual Reality, on the other hand, immerses YOU in a new world. You are experiencing sights and sounds around you that are generated by the computer. Instead of interacting with your environment like in AR, you are in a brand new computer generated world. Rather than looking through your phone and seeing Pokemon, a VR Pokemon experience might be something like riding in Team Rocket’s hot air balloon or having to throw the Pokeball during a battle.
AR is probably the easiest way for most people to begin their journey, it is usually lower cost and easier to learn how to use. I would like to recommend a really neat free AR app called Wonderscope to get you started. The app is rated ages 4+, with the target audience being ages 6 through 8. The app itself is free but there in-app purchases. Unfortunately as of right now, Wonderscope is only available on iOS, but many schools do have some iPads even if they are primarily an android / google based school.
Wonderscope uses AR to enhance stories and bring them to life as the child reads. The app responds to the reader’s voice and movements. This would be a great way to pull in struggling and reluctant readers. Some areas of the media center could easily be set up to enhance the Wonderscope story and add to the experience. Classes could be split into small groups and rotate through story stations. This is a fun, low stakes way to practice working in groups and reading aloud to peers without FEELING like you’re reading aloud to peers. The story will not advance if you don’t stay within the storyline, so there is not really a way to “cheat,” not that your kids will want to anyway.
This could be a periodic stand alone experience to work on reading aloud
or integrated into other areas of classroom instruction. Common Sense Education suggests possibly having students to write sequels, chart out the plot, etc. to enhance the educational experience. You could also use it to explore genres. Students could also compare and contrast Wonderscope stories vs. traditional books.
No matter how you incorporate Wonderscope, it is sure to be a hit with your students.
WonderScope Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqN3Rjv6nlk
References
Amira Learning, Inc. (2022). Wonderscope (Version 1.23) [Mobile app]. App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wonderscope/id1437417679
Mini Guide: Wonderscope. (n.d.). Retrieved from Learning Works for Kids: https://learningworksforkids.com/apps/mini-guide-wonderscope/
Using Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Library. (2015). New Library World, 116(11/12), 796-799.
VanderBorght, M. (2019). Wonderscope Review. Retrieved from Common Sense Education: https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/wonderscope
Young, L. J. (2020, April 7). Get the Most from AR/VR Technology Without Breaking the Budget. School Library Journal. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/story/get-the-most-from-ar-vr-technology-without-breaking-budget-library
Wonderscope. (2018, November 14). Introducing Wonderscope: an augmented reality iOS
app for kids [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/vqN3Rjv6nlk
Thank you Lauren for your explanation about the difference between AR and VR as it provides clarity. Wonderscope sounds perfect for storytime! Similar to Pokemon Go, I tried out Pikmin Blooms and it was a great motivator tool for walking more each day. Each student is wired differently and responds to learning activities differently. I have a class currently that rejects screen time. They request more face to face and teamwork collaboration type activities. I love the idea of allowing them to create stories with Wonderscope as teams, especially if we are forced to go virtual again.
ReplyDeleteLauren, I really, really love this! The vast majority of our students at the elementary school where I work are struggling in their reading, and this looks so fun and engaging. I don't personally have any iOS devices, but now I can't wait to get to school and try it out on our iPad. Thank you so much for sharing such a cool resource.
ReplyDeleteLauren,
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you explained the differences between VR and AR to start out your post here. Wonderscope seems like a great resources for students to aid in their reading. My school does not use iOS, as we use chromebooks, so I would be interested if there is something like this for them. Wonderscope looks like it would be a fun resource to use! Thank you for your post this week.
Hey Lauren!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this awesome tool! I work with the target audience and wanted to introduce it to the ELA teachers. I was wondering, do we get to pick the stories? Does it test you before you get started to see what level the student may be on? I have so many questions, but it honestly looks awesome for engagement and showing reluctant readers that reading can be an adventure even if they haven't developed their own reader voice in their head yet.