QR Code
I couldn’t believe how quick and easy creating a QR Code turned out to be. I was able to create two QR codes in just a couple of minutes. Both QR Code Monkey and QR Stuff were very simple and easy to use. If I had to choose to use one in the future, I think I would choose QR Stuff, simply because it lead you directly through the steps and allowed easy customization. That’s not to say QR Code Monkey was difficult, but I liked the extreme simplicity of completing one step fully and being directed to the next. I decided to link the QR Codes to my Digital Learning Assignment.
Virtual Field Trip
For my virtual field trip, I chose to explore animal camouflage. This was an amazing choice! The images were beautiful, immersive, and informative. Each page was filled with a beautiful habitat and an animal blending in. Despite teaching about animal habitats and camouflage for years, I learned new information and viewed animals I never considered. This was a fantastic way to “visit” real animal adaptation and habitats. If you teach a lesson on animal camouflage or natural selection adaptations, I strongly recommend using this field trip.
Layered Reality
The possibilities of using layered reality in education are endless. Moving past passive experiences into immersive experiences can allow better understanding and interaction among learners. While watching Learning and Technology with Franks'(2021) video on Metaverse for Education – 5 Ways to Use Virtual Reality in School, I was extremely surprised by some of the possibilities. Particularly, using Google Street view for interactive travel seemed to be a wonderful way for students to experience the world. Also, using virtual reality for documentaries can evoke a powerful emotional connection. Seeing passive, flat screen images and video can be powerful, but allowing students to feel surrounded by new places in an immersive learning environment greatly improves the learning experience.
Technology availability and funding can limit these possibilities, and that is where programs like the StarLab mobile planetarium would be useful. “The kids “oohed” and “ahhed” and occasionally ducked whenever planets and stars were coming at them. The planetarium projects a 360 degree view of space, so they could see things from all angles” (Hager, 2019). This statement really grabbed my attention. It speaks volumes about student engagement and learning.
Though these are only two concepts in layered reality, I can see their large impact on education. By creating easier emotional connections, more possibilities, and mobile, immersive experiences, layered reality is changing the future possibilities in learning.
References
Hager, J. (2019, February 14). Starlab makes its way to Richmond County Public schools. Richmond County Daily Journal. https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/news/85221/starlab-makes-its-way-to-richmond-county-schools
Learning and Technology with Frank. (2021, December 14). Metaverse for education – 5 ways to use virtual reality in school [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WogQ0X4ITHM
Thanks for sharing the animal camouflage virtual field trip. I am going to share this with my own kids!
I also liked reading about the planetarium. What a great experience for student learning. I am a learn by doing person, so this would be a great addition to spark interest and memories!
The planetarium was amazing! Great opportunity for those students.
When I taught 3rd grade, I taught about animal camouflage. I will have to check out this virtual field trip.
I like that you linked your QR Codes to your digital learning assignment. I toyed with that idea as well but wound up going a different direction. Your animal camouflage field trip sounds amazing. I would love to experience the StarLab planetarium. That was just so cool!
I felt the same way about QR Stuff. I liked the way the steps were broken down too. After creating one using that app, I felt a little more confident using the others.
I’ll have to check out the camouflage field trip because I teach habitats and adaptations in science. Thanks for sharing.
I still play on google street view anytime I’m going to visiting a new area. I like to use that tool as a way to see what’s near where ill be staying.