Inspyro ActiveLens
Augmented Reality App
During a history session at university, we were lucky enough to be shown a new augmented reality app. This is where a traditional worksheets and augmented reality technology are combined to make Activeworksheets. Through the use of an app (available on both iOS and Android) we were able to see the worksheets come alive! There were videos, audio recordings, 3D models and animations. It really was surreal and almost magical!
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The topic we looked at was Prehistoric Britain. This app was especially effective for this topic, since, unlike other more recent periods in history, there are little artefacts, evidence and obviously no photographs.
- The use of the app could enable for collaborative investigation. Children can work together to find out information using the app and Activeworksheet.
- There are trigger images which start when the camera is on them.
- It adds a Wow Factor to the start of a topic.
- Unfortunately, only available for WW1 and Prehistoric Briatin at present.
- The actual app is free but have to buy the worksheet packs (£99 per school). I think it is definitely worth consideration. The worksheets can be photocopied and parts can be enlarged. The pack also includes pupil acitivity ideas.
- There were a few practicalities to consider when using the app. The room was very noisy, with lots of people trying out the app, this meant the audio was quite hard to hear. Within the classroom I would suggest using headphones so children can hear it clearly. Also when app was held over the trigger image, if you moved slightly the audio or video would switch off. It was difficult to hold a large Ipad steadily over the image, for a long time. Furthermore, would the school have enough Ipads or android tablets?
This app would definitely add excitement and engagement to the start of a topic. It would be a great hook or trigger. I thought that the images could be enlarged and placed as very large circles, on the floor around the classroom. Children then had to walk around and explore them. This would create a practical and active beginning to a new topic.