Our students are digital natives; being brought up in an age where digital resources are as ubiquitous as sliced bread. When trying to find something they go right to looking things up online using various devices as if they were an extension of themselves. Why not cultivate that curiosity with Virtual Reality devices or Augmented reality programs? There are many ways to outfit and invest VR and/or AR and though some may be more cost effective up front, the longevity of the system and item also must be considered. Thought it has a higher price tag, the Oculus Quest 2, an all in one head set, has the flexibility and the capability to be an authentic and highly used tool both in the media center and in the classroom.
Before CoVid, our Modern Learning Specialist (someone who works in integrating technology into our school) won a grant to obtain 6 Quests and the accessories. She rolled these out very methodically, first by learning and using it herself, then getting a few teachers to learn and get comfortable and then finally getting students involved. Being one of the first teachers was such an honor. Using the internal program and experiential tutoring we became comfortable with it and were tasked with teaching others. She used the same structure with the students similarly to the article School Library Journal . First the MLS used the teachers she trained to help train students, who in turn were used (with assistance) to mentor other students. This system engenders engagement, and responsibility for each other and the device and programs themselves.
TUTORIALS
Oculus Quest 2 Tutorial, from MetaQuest (Facebook)
Oculus Tutorial for Dummies
This was my favorite tutorial because they walk you through step by step explaining all the pieces.
Apps and Programs
Some apps that can be used on Quest 2 do cost money, but the return on them are worth it. See the article below that mention some strong programs. One free one that I tested and would probably load on my Quest 2 is the Anne Frank Experience. You take a tour of her attic living area as well as find artifacts to explore, read, and correlate. I was lucky enough to have gone and toured it in person many years ago and this program matched my memories. Honestly it was better given the augmented reality. This could be used for Text Dependent Analysis and experiential learning. ELA and Social Studies teachers could easily use this program to supplement and create authentic lessons that would hopefully stick with the student.
Some other programs of note are the Anatomy Experience which allows students to explore the human body and the systems that it uses. When I told my fellow 7th Grade teachers about this and that we have sets to use they became ecstatic.
You Tube also has 360 degree experiences that can be accessed for free through the Oculus. So instead of seeing pictures of a place, students can experience the place and their relationship to it.
Though there are many games that could be played, they typically cost money. Some have educational merit and some don't. Depending on the population you serve some games will enhance fine motor skills and decision making skills that could be important. Talk with your teachers and gain insight to their needs to see where your money should be spent.
Caution!
When our MLS left ( was moved) The headsets were almost forgotten about and sat unused. Create instruction and teach many to make sure they get used. Remember a device is only as good as it can be if its USED. Keeping up with the latest programs and ideas is important to keep it a living and breathing thing. I personally will visit Anne Franks house again to remind me what a powerful tool a VR device can be.
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