Category: Presentations

Virtual Reality in the Classroom

Jake and Brad presented virtual reality (VR) experiences in the classroom.

I learned that there are 3 types of VR tech:

VR: putting on a headset, tracks movements

Augmented reality: can still see the real world, but can see other stuff that isn’t actually there. Example: BMW displays vehicle speed on the road in front of you.

Extended reality: super expensive, therapy for military vets?

Brad discussed PlayStation(PS) VR. PS VR uses a tethered headset which needs to be offloaded onto the PS. There is a camera set up on the top of the TV that corresponds with the lights on the headset.

Jake discussed the Meta Quest 2 which is a stand-alone headset that is portable and does not need to be offloaded. He showed some cool platforms. Librarium allows you to create your own study space and create or use flashcards to study! Hand Physicals Lab, Nanome, and Star chart were also discussed!

The pros of this technology are: kids love new ways of learning, it’s hands-on and fun, engaging for students, allows for cool new opportunities.

The cons are: expensive, one student at a time, gaming bias

Virtual Field Trips

Kim, Morgan. T, and Chelsea showed us some cool virtual field trip ideas!

Chelsea showed us a cool virtual field trip to the Zoo for kindergarten students. They can explore enclosures virtually and then use other platforms like Jamboard for assessment and Create Kai XR allows students to create their own enclosure to show what they learned via the tour!

Morgan showed us a virtual field trip to Mount St. Helens for grade 8s. We were able to explore what happened to the mountain and watch a recreation of it. Video representations can be found on youtube. Teachers can create “I wonder” Jamboards or Kahoot quizzes for students to show their learning.

This idea is more engaging than textbook learning, and allows for more opportunities to explore places that may not have been possible otherwise, and is great for visual learners!

Their presentation video:

https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DmBJGN2NNdpk&data=05%7C01%7Cmtank%40uvic.ca%7C3fbd6e4832974fac085a08dac1c93327%7C9c61d3779894427cb13b1d6a51662b4e%7C0%7C0%7C638035367124354403%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=o8HHeN2vi0ob0CauTZk1IQmlV4oiffKKjxtsF3EqX1o%3D&reserved=0

Here is my group’s tech presentation!

What Makes a Good Classroom Blog?

Alannah, Kelly, Lauren, and Cassidy discussed 4 platforms to use as classroom blogs! Class Dojo, Google Sites, Jotform, and Seesaw.

Lauren went over Class Dojo. This site seems super cool and useful. My favourite part is probably the fact that students are able to custom-create their own avatars. Students find joy in being able to show their creativity. It is also a password-protected site which is super important to me. I like how parents are able to have access to their child’s work and what is going on in the class, I wish my parents had that opportunity when I was in school. I will consider using this in my classroom.

Kelly went over Google Sites. Google Sites is something I will most likely use because I am already very familiar with google stuff. On this platform, you can set reminders for students and parents for things like field trips, teachers can post resources for students, and parents have access as well. Kelly also mentioned Classroom Screen briefly and I found this one super cool. You can track students’ noise levels, you can do polls, set a timer, and much more. That is something I would also love to use.

Alannah talked about Jotform. To me, the best part about this platform is that it can become an app. The option just pops up and you can easily add it to the home screen of their computer or mobile phone. I also really liked how it is only one page, which makes it super easy for parents to navigate and use. You can use polls, post reminders, and have parents submit permission forms online, and there are flashcards for students you can add. This is also password protected.

Cassidy went over Seesaw. Seesaw is something that I know is used in SD6 as a way for students, teachers, and parents to stay in touch. Teachers can post student work, activities, etc. You can have more than one class and more than one teacher!

Artifact: https://bright.uvic.ca/d2l/le/233866/discussions/posts/1597386/ViewAttachment?fileId=6686786

Incusive Classrooms

Sarah, Emily, and Morgan. F discussed technologies that can help make classrooms more inclusive!

Sarah talked about virtual classrooms. Virtual classrooms make learning more accessible for all. Students can do their work from anywhere and at any time. Teachers can post assignments online and students can work on them on their own time at their own pace. I really liked how students who may not be comfortable speaking in front of everyone, can create a discussion post and still be part of the class.

Emily went over Immersive Reader. I did Immersive reader for my presentation as well.

Morgan discussed something called NearPod. This platform allows teachers to do live presentations or student-paced presentations. It has things like virtual reality, quizzes, games, and a cool whiteboard feature. Audio submissions are also allowed for students who may struggle with typing or writing.

Artifact: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFQQQW72OY/30_TMyWElbvXFcf8-PpZxw/view?utm_content=DAFQQQW72OY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton