Today in the AT&T Classroom our afternoon campers explored several tools for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Each camper received a Google Cardboard Viewer, a fold-able cardboard template that when assembled allows a user to experience virtual reality on a smartphone. Campers used the Google Cardboard iOS app to set-up the Cardboard viewer on an iphone. (There is also a Cardboard Camera app for Android phones available from Google Play). In addition to setting-up the device as a viewer, the Google Cardboard app also offers access to a set of immersive experiences to be used with a viewer through the app including Kaleidoscope, Arctic Journey, Urban Hike, Museum Exhibits and Explorer. Additionally, the campers also used the viewer to explore a series of virtual reality apps including Jurassic Virtual Reality (VR), VR Crossy, Roller Coaster VR, VR Car Driving Simulator and VR Flight Simulator. Campers also used the 3D Camera Lite iOS app to create 3D photo images.
Later this afternoon, the campers explored Aurasma, an augmented reality (AR) tool that enables a user to create AR projects. Using the app, users can scan objects, drawings, and photos to create layers of media (auras) that pop-up when the user scans specific objects with their mobile device.
At the end of today’s session the campers were introduced to Tynker, a computing platform designed to teach children core coding and programming concepts. The platform engages children with a visual drag-and-drop interface to solve increasingly complex interactive puzzles and then ultimately build their own puzzles and games.The original Tynker platform has been expanded to allow children to control connected devices such as toy drones and robots.
