Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enriches the classroom learning experience by overlaying digital content on top of real-world content, simply using devices that already exist in most classrooms, such as tablets and smartphones. In educational settings, AR can be used in numerous ways to improve teaching and engage students. You can bring traditional textbooks to life by adding interactive elements such as videos, models, or supplemental information to the printed pages. AR is also a powerful tool for visualizing complex concepts, allowing students to explore abstract ideas through interactive 3D representations. Additionally, it can transport students to different times and places, making history and geography lessons more immersive and educational.
Heather Brantley, an instructional technologist and teacher at a Texas high school, recognizes the value of integrating augmented reality tools into her lessons. Throughout her educational journey, she has served in various roles, including teaching elementary mathematics, teaching web communications instruction for career and technical education students, and serving as an educational technology specialist. consultant and speaker. Recently, EdSurge spoke with Brantley about his experiences using McGraw Hill ARa free app created by McGraw Hill in partnership with Verizon to Verizon Innovative Learningan educational initiative that seeks to help close the digital divide with the goal of providing digital skills training to 10 million students by 2030.
EdSurge: What sparked your interest in incorporating more technology into your teaching methods?
Brantley: As a math teacher, I found that on the days I put out manipulatives, I almost immediately regretted using them because they were everywhere, not to mention that schools have limited funds to give everyone enough manipulatives. It was simply a disaster. So, I began to delve deeper into using technology (in itself) as a manipulator.
The person who has really helped me on this journey has been the educational technologist. Jaime Donally. I was blessed to teach her daughter and collaborate with her. Jamie was telling me about different technology products that could support what she was teaching. She has been an incredible resource on this learning journey, and through these experiences, I developed a passion for educational technology.
My big goal in using technology for good is Use the technology you have forever.. One of the challenges for teachers is that schools do not provide enough devices. However, if you instead teach students how to use a device they already have in their pockets, you are allowing kids to use technology anywhere.
How has incorporating AR into your classroom improved your students’ learning experience?
I don’t want to be a teacher who teaches children; I want to be a teacher who learns alongside children. Augmented reality allows you to explore together with your students. When a new update appears on an app, I tell the students. Let’s explore together and be curious together.. AR piques the curiosity of students, who ask: “How does it work?”
When McGraw Hill AR released an update that allows students to work in groups, I immediately CEER (communication, engineering, entrepreneurship and robotics) wanted to try it. In fact, I took a step back to see if the students could figure out the new group mode independently, and they didn’t need any guidance from me! Some of the students quickly took on leadership roles and told their peers, “Okay, guys, this is how you join a group.” I looked at those who were mastering it, and even though they knew they might compete against each other later in this app, they wanted to help their teammates. There were conversations about trying to figure out what was going on and what the pattern was. The app is very easy to use, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. My classroom is now student-run, so I’m really there to facilitate.
Something I love about students using augmented reality on their own devices is that they now have this tool that goes beyond the lesson. They are excited to come home and show their families what they are learning using the app. Group mode in McGraw Hill AR not only encourages collaboration in the classroom, but also has students collaborate outside of the classroom. I have found that integrating AR into lessons encourages greater engagement and collaborative learning. It lends itself to natural conversations about critical thinking and curiosity.
What is a challenge you have encountered when integrating AR activities into the classroom?
You will inevitably have some students who won’t get involved right away. For those students, I will sit next to them and help them get started using their devices. I help them understand how the activity is valuable to them. When we were learning how to balance equations, I offered one of the reluctant students to use the McGraw Hill AR activity or the real block manipulatives. Eventually, she realized that the AR option made it easier for her to manipulate virtual blocks until the equation was balanced.
What is your advice for teachers considering integrating AR technology into their classrooms?
The best advice is to be curious. If we ask our students to learn and be curious, as educators, we too must learn and be curious. If you don’t know what it does, click the button; It won’t explode. Stop doing extra work. I don’t want to sit down and watch a black and white movie where I have to read everything because there’s no sound. We have passed that point. Take advantage of the latest technology in the classroom.
I try to give students as much voice and control over my class as possible. My job is to facilitate and learn alongside them. We need students to see our enthusiasm for learning new tools. If we don’t show interest in learning new things, they won’t accept it.
