Learning@Schools - Augmented Reality Presentation

This week I am lucky enough to be presenting at the first ever Learning@Schools Roadshow.  Kicking off in Whangarei on Wednesday 3rd April with an amazing programme.

One of my presentations is 'QR Codes and Augmented Reality'

The iPad comes alive with Augmented Reality

This workshop will focus on the use of an iPad to explore QR Codes and Augmented Reality (AR). 

The session will focus on how to effectively use and integrate QR codes throughout the curriculum and school community. You will see how Augmented Reality has engaged, enhanced and empowered students to write and create books using a variety of different iPad apps.

I have enjoyed introducing students and teachers to the concept of augmented reality and have been exploring how this can be used to support teaching and learning.  We have had heaps of fun trying out different apps and thinking about how these can be used.  To date, the biggest success has been in engaging students in writing digital stories using augmented reality pictures.  All you need is your IMAGINATION!  Here is the list of apps I am sharing within this workshop.  Some of these apps do require markers to be printed off.

AR DinoPark

Imag-N-O-Tron - The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore

Aurasma

Money Vision

The Amazing Spiderman

Lunch Rush

Zoo Burst

Space Craft 3D

NZ Shapeshifter Monarch

AR Flashcards

String

Dragon Detector

Star and Planet Finder

Tour Wrist - not truly augmented reality BUT gives amazing possibilities when you are able to visit historic landmarks and use these pictures as the basis for extending storytelling.

Can you imagine when this is a reality and part of our everyday life?

Haiku deck

Haiku deck is a free presentation app suitable for crating digital stories as well as presentations. Text and font can be added, and the app searches for Creative Commons images to go with the text. Presentations can be uploaded to facebook or twitter, shared via email or exportedQuick and easy to use. A great way for students to present their ideas.

- Posted by Tara using BlogPress from my iPad

Marble Math Junior

This math game provides a series of challenges. Players roll the marble (by tilting the iPad) or drag the marble (using touch) across the screen to complete the challenge.

Player profiles can be created and customised including level and problems to be solved. There is no limit to the number of profiles that can be created. Each player can create an avatar and an overview of the player's results can be viewed. Instructions can be read out to the player - particularly useful for emerging readers.




Challenges vary from sequencing, shape finding, time, equivalence, addition, subtraction and multiplication with the level of challenge increasing as the player progresses.  There is also a money challenge (levels 2 &3), however as this not in New Zealand currency, I generally uncheck it in the options so it unavailable as a challenge.





If the player gets the answer incorrect, they are offered the opportunity to have another go, skip the question or be shown the answer.





A good app for reinforcing math learning in the classroom.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Interactive Books - Reading and Creating Stories

Thanks to the teaching team at Whangarei Heads School for sharing these interactive storybooks with me. Collins Big Cat have 8 FREE story apps that not only promote a love of reading, but are also incredibly interactive. My favourite part of these apps is being able to encourage the children to create their own stories with the inbuilt 'story creator'. You can create your own scenes, add your own text and then record your stories. Check out the You Tube clip below created by Collins Books and have fun exploring.

App Harvesting

A group of Whangarei teachers recently had an 'app harvest' session.  Here are a few of our favourite apps shared on the day  - I thoroughly recommend getting together with teachers in your area to share apps you and your students are using to support teaching and learning.  Not only do you discover new apps you also get to see 'how' other teachers/students are utilsing these apps.  AND the most important part of these app harvests is meeting teachers from other schools  A fantastic professional learning opportunity.  As the list below is a picture - you will need to head on over to the Virtual Learning Network where you can download the PDF version to follow the links easily.

iBooks 3

The iBooks store has finally 'arrived' in New Zealand.  While the app has always been available,  the purchasing of books was not an option.  This has now changed and while not all publishers have their content with iBooks, there is a good starting range.  There is also a range of self-published books, created with iBooks Authors.  These self-published books include textbooks, recipe books, children's stories etc.

The release of iBooks 3 has seen alignment with iCloud so that your notes, bookmarks and placemark is synced across all your  ios devices.

It is worth browsing the iBooks Store if you haven't already.  You might like to check out the free sample of Life on Earth, a multi-touch interactive book that showcases the future of textbooks.

MoMA Art Lab iPad App

The children and teaching team at Manaia Kindergarten continue to be an inspiration to me in my role as an Early Years Facilitator. A great ECE blog to check out to see the incredible learning happening. Manaia Kindergarten have had an iPad for sometime now and it is great to see the children working collaboratively using the MoMA Art Lab App to create their artwork. I have just downloaded this app and looking forward to working with it with children.  Check out the You Tube clip below for a quick 'what it's all about':-)