TOP PICKS | 22 TOOLS
Top Tech for Using Augmented and Virtual Reality
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Quiver Education - 3D Coloring App
Augmented reality app adds some interactivity and learning to coloring
Bottom line: This can make a great occasional lesson supplement, but ultimately the lack of customization and light learning hold it back.
3DBear AR
3D design and augmented reality merge in creative, interactive app
Bottom line: A great fit for classroom or makerspace settings as long as kids have compatible devices.
Plantale
Plant life cycle app has detailed AR but little help
Bottom line: This inexpensive plant life cycle app is a fun way to get up close and personal with plant processes, but needs an accompanying lesson for context.
Lifeliqe
Impressive, interactive 3D models augment classroom learning
Bottom line: While some models are lower resolution and less appealing, Lifeliqe is still a no-brainer for supplying mostly clear, professional 3D models for deep investigation.
Nearpod
Interactive slideshow tool engages students, promotes collaboration
Bottom line: This effective tool leverages the capabilities of 1-to-1 environments and offers both teacher- and student-paced learning.
Expeditions
Fire up the warp drive to bring VR field trips to your classroom
Bottom line: With stunning scenes and a flexible delivery method, your students will thank you for journeying together through space and time.
Tickle
Robots, Arduinos, and drones -- the block coding app to rule them all
Bottom line: Impressive tool for introducing block coding and robotics on a ton of devices.
Discovery VR
Immersive videos let students enter the magical world of VR
Bottom line: VR videos will grab the viewer's attention; just be sure to carefully select the content for your class.
Apollo 11 VR
Thrilling VR experience needs creative teaching to truly soar
Bottom line: If infused with good teaching, this cinematic experience can provide a rich, unforgettable adventure.
Froggipedia
Gorgeous frog anatomy app provides realism without depth
Bottom line: Students can closely examine a frog's anatomy and life cycle in a gorgeous, clean, and reusable way, but teachers will need to supplement the app for a complete lesson.
Google Earth VR
Explore the world with an incredible new perspective and sense of scale
Bottom line: An amazing experience that brings the world to life, despite the heavy investment in VR required.
JigSpace
Break down concepts in a new way with AR models
Bottom line: These 3D STEM models will certainly engage students when added to lessons, but usefulness is limited by a lack of creation options.
Sky Guide
Awesome astronomy app takes students on a journey through the universe
Bottom line: A quality, affordable way to bring true astronomy study to the classroom, even during the day, with a plethora of viewing options.
WWF Free Rivers
Gorgeous ecology AR model is simple but compelling
Bottom line: The free price tag makes this app a no-brainer for including in any lesson on water resources, though teachers will still need to provide context.
Arloon Geometry
Cool exploration features, so-so quizzes teach kids about shapes
Bottom line: A nice way for kids to interactively explore three-dimensional shapes, but built-in quizzes have limited impact.
CoSpaces Edu
VR design tool sparks creativity for those with the coding chops
Bottom line: This is a well-designed VR playground for experienced coders.
Metaverse
Ambitious augmented-reality tool engages users, promotes coding skills
Bottom line: This dynamic tool allows users to create and experience augmented-reality activities while learning 21st-century skills.
Arloon Anatomy | The Human Body
Explore the human body from the inside out
Bottom line: An interactive 3-D simulation that lets kids dive into the human body and learn about how it works along the way.
ARIS
Create valuable Pokémon Go-style learning games for iOS devices
Bottom line: A teacher who is willing to learn ARIS can create robust mobile experiences that will resonate with students.
Field Trip
With a few tweaks, nifty augmented reality app can be classroom-ready
Bottom line: Field Trip isn't as searchable as Google Earth, but it's a strong local resource.
NYT VR - New York Times
Immersive 360-degree videos take users inside the headlines
Bottom line: Though there isn't much explicit learning content, there's immense value in the extraordinary opportunity to take a walk in someone else's world.
HoloLAB Champions
Immerse students in a fantastic VR chemistry lab
Bottom line: Students can safely experiment, play, fail, succeed, and learn in this engrossing virtual chemistry lab.
