{"id":144,"date":"2025-03-22T13:15:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-22T13:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/?page_id=144"},"modified":"2025-03-22T15:44:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T15:44:52","slug":"augmented-virtual-reality","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/augmented-virtual-reality\/","title":{"rendered":"Augmented & virtual reality"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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What is Virtual Reality?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users completely into an artificial world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VR uses technology to create the illusion of presence in an environment that isn\u2019t really there. It can be used to help students better understand a concept that is being studied (e.g., space), by allowing them to experience that environment firsthand. VR can be used through a traditional desktop computer or through a fully immersive practice that requires the student to wear a head mounted display.  It offers the student a unique learning experience that they cannot get from looking at a textbook \u2013 instead of reading about space, why not put the student there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of VR systems but they all share the same characteristics such as the ability to allow the person to view three-dimensional images. These images appear life-sized to the person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Started with Virtual Reality:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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CoSpaces EDU<\/strong><\/a> is a web-based platform for the creation of virtual and<\/strong> augmented reality experiences. With a library of basic assets (e.g., people, animals, etc.), users can easily drag-and-drop objects into the visual experience editor. CoSpaces provides a variety of graphical backgrounds to build from, or<\/strong> you can upload your own 360\u00ba photographs to use as the setting for your experience. Want to take it a step further? CoSpaces also has a coding space so you can create a truly immersive and interactive experience through block coding or JavaScript (pro version only).  The basic version of CoSpaces EDU is free to try out<\/a>, but if you\u2019re craving a bit more, try out the 30-day trial of their pro version!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>If you need a little help to get started, check out the CoSpaces Edu curriculum & activity guide<\/a> curated by STEAM-3D Maker Lab intern Jenny Cherrington:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1rrjeXio7JkrZUWUpoUTQxRYlkz5McGkm\/preview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Google Tour Creator<\/a><\/strong> is another powerful online tool for creating VR experiences! In this platform, you can upload a 360\u00ba photo (or select a pre-existing photosphere from Google Maps) and add your own annotations in the form of text, images, and audio. Better yet, you can link multiple 360\u00ba photos together to make a full-blown tour, complete with background audio to guide your virtual tourist. When your Tour is complete, you can view the finished project in your computer\u2019s web browser, or send the link to your smartphone so you can view it through a VR headset. Still curious? Check out the Tech Tool Tuesday post<\/a> we wrote on Google Tour Creator!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For even more resources, information, and suggestions, check out former Maker Lab team member Melanie Maas\u2019 VR website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Augmented Reality?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Augmented Reality (AR) allows virtual objects to be superimposed onto the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AR is the blending of virtual reality and life. Users are able to interact with virtual content while remaining visually present in the real world, and are able to easily distinguish between the two. Educators can use augmented reality to create layers of digital information on top of the physical world that can be viewed through a digital device. Like VR, AR can be used in multiple environments. Rather than just looking at a textbook, or watching a video, students can see the topic come to life in the form of a 3D model.  AR can be planned into a lesson, but can also be employed around the classroom in ways that students can access when needed (e.g., an augmented word wall or photo wall). Students are more likely to understand a concept, rather than just memorize, when their minds are being stimulated in multiple ways. AR provides an opportunity for educators and students to share in a learning experience that steps away from the traditional pen and paper and into a more technologically engaging experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Started with Augmented Reality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to virtual reality, CoSpaces EDU<\/a><\/strong> also allows for the creation of AR experiences! Using the CoSpaces app for your smartphone or device, you can view your story, game, or other creation overtop of your real-world environment. If you have a Merge cube, you can even use CoSpaces EDU to create AR experiences that you can hold in your hand<\/a> (pro version only)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of AR apps you can try from the comfort of your own home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n