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Top Tech for Using Augmented and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can help extend what we see in the classroom or bring the outside world in. Whether students are watching videos of current events or manipulating interactive models, AR and VR can add an extra layer of depth to our lessons. As students play, watch, and create, they'll be walking in other people's shoes and may begin to develop empathy in the process. There's so much potential here for creative ways to build social and emotional skills. Check out our picks below to find immersive worlds, 3D models, and tools to create your own AR and VR experiences in the classroom.

Top Picks

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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.

Grades: K–5 Price: $5.99 or $7.99 Quiver Education has a one-time purchase price for all the content. There's also a volume-purchasing program and educational discounts for schools.

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.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free to Try, Paid Monthly subscription ($14.99) includes a one-month free trial. Annual subscription ($119.99) includes a two-month free trial. Lesson plans can be accessed with a guest account, but interactive 3D models require a subscription.

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.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Educators can put together their own kits or purchase a recommended kit. Pricing ranges from $3,999 for 10 students to $9,999 for 30 students.

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.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Additional characters and challenges are offered as in-app purchases.

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.

Grades: 3–10 Price: Free

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.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free Requires a virtual reality headset.

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.

Grades: 4–12 Price: $2.99

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.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Paid $75 per year for 50 licenses; other license packages available for more students.

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.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free

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.

Grades: 5–12 Price: 2.99

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.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free

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.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free

Nearpod

Interactive slide show tool engages students and promotes collaboration

Bottom line: This effective tool leverages the capabilities of 1-to-1 environments and brings slide shows into the 21st century.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Paid Silver edition is free and supports up to 30 students. Gold edition is $120 per teacher per year and supports up to 50 students. Platinum edition is $349 per year and supports up to 75 students. Volume discounts available for schools and districts. There are also in-app purchases for additional material.