Verizon and McGraw-Hill have introduced a free immersive and interactive augmented reality (AR) app for students in grades K-12.
The goals of the app are to bring academic concepts to life and provide new ways to engage with the content. It currently features three activities on “algebra readiness” and geometry for grades 6-12. The full suite of 10 math-related activities will be live in the fall.
The new app supplements core curriculum by stimulating engagement and learning through “interaction, exploration, and multi-sensory experiences using tablets and smartphones.”
The app is available with standard-aligned lesson plans at Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a portal that provides free access to AR and virtual reality (VR) materials and related lesson plans, educational materials and professional development.
The app-only version is available for download to any Apple or Android tablet or smartphone from the App Store, and Google Play.
“Seeing how educators are rethinking how they teach, how students learn, and how to reinvent using emerging technologies, now more than ever it is imperative that they have access to next-gen learning tools and the powerful learning opportunities they unlock,” Alex Servello, Verizon’s director of corporate social responsibility, said in a press release.
“With Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, we’ve democratized access to next-gen learning, putting technologies like McGraw Hill AR in the hands of educators to help deliver and enable more immersive, personalized learning experiences for students.”
AR has been a key development area for Verizon of late.
Last month, the company said it would provide its 5G Ultra Wideband to bring Snapchat AR features to attendees of the Governors Ball Music Festival at Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y.
In January, Verizon and Google said that they are working together to create flexible, hands-free, immersive and mobile AR video conferencing environments. The offering is a combination of Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 glasses and Pixel 6 5Gmobile hotspots with Verizon’s BlueJeans offering.
