TOP PICKS | 23 TOOLS
Top Tech for Using Augmented and Virtual Reality
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Quiver - 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.
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.
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 students have clear direction and compatible devices.
Lifeliqe VR Museum
Amazing 3D models for schools with high-end VR capability only
Bottom line: While the non-VR Lifeliqe content may be more practical, Lifeliqe VR Museum is a worthy add-on.
Nearpod
Engage and assess students with media, videos, and interactive slides
Bottom line: This is a great tool with a vast content library, and the teacher- or student-paced learning can unlock the potential of 1-to-1 environments.
Boxcar AR
Augmented reality adds wow factor to reading, but has missing pieces
Bottom line: It's a compelling twist on traditional reading for teachers looking for an interesting alternative, but it presents some tracking challenges and might lead to less actual reading.
Wonderscope
Interactive AR stories inspire wonder but need a teacher's touch
Bottom line: Watching the stories unfold around you is just plain fun, even if most of the stories themselves need some scaffolding to work in classrooms.
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.
Civilisations AR
Nifty app gives students up-close access to historical treasures
Bottom line: This is an undeniably cool app that encourages connection and curiosity, but without teacher support, student learning will be superficial.
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.
Kai's Clan
Innovative STEAM package takes robot coding to the next level
Bottom line: A nearly perfect spin on STEAM coding that combines a bunch of technologies into one, and effectively fuses the real and virtual worlds.
Roundme
Virtual tour library and creation site has limited classroom utility
Bottom line: Tours have some potential for experiential learning, but the consumer focus means it'll take more work to find them and integrate them in the classroom.
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
Impressive AR/VR creation tool with lots of lesson plans and possibilities.
Bottom line: With a little learning up-front, this tool is a great choice for creative collaboration and projects.
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
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.
ZapWorks
Powerful AR creation tool not built for classrooms
Bottom line: ZapWorks is best suited to tech-savvy teachers and students; others might prefer AR tools with a bigger educational focus.
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.
