I've been a fan of the Curiscope company since the release of their augmented reality shirts (Virtuali-tee). The connection to augmented reality and relevant learning experiences is critical. Although there are many options to view anatomy in AR, seeing the anatomy come to life on a person provides a more in-depth understanding.
The Curiscope team has been busy these past few weeks with the release of their latest project, the Multiverse. Viewing the Multiverse posters, the student can scan the image to see the Earth, Moon, Mars, and the Solar System. Each poster has various experiences for the student to explore, including an audio-guided tour, the interior and satellite view of the solar system objects. While exploring the augmented reality experience, additional information is delivered with text.
The beauty of the Multiverse posters is access for students to easily access the content and explore the items in a personalized experience. Students may want to walk around the objects or stand in the same spot while listening and following along with the guide. My husband is a science teacher, and after sharing the posters to get feedback, he tried to steal my Multiverse posters for his classroom.
There are a few considerations to optimize the use of the Multiverse posters. I found the posters have a bit of a glare when down on the floor or table. Consider keeping the poster on a wall to avoid the glare that will affect the scan of the posters. To get the poster to come to life, try getting close to the center of the poster and see and hear the scene begin to play. Select the object to open all the options to explore. If you choose to put the poster in a frame, avoid placing the posters near lamps or natural light from windows to keep the posters from creating a glare.
Another important factor to consider with the location of the posters is the height. If you place the posters too high or too far away with obstructions such as tables or chairs, you'll keep the students from getting close enough to walk around the object. Giving students access close enough to explore and interact with the object is the best part of the Multiverse posters.
The device you’re using in the classroom is vital for this app. The Multiverse uses ARKit (Apple) and ARCore (Android), which means you’ll need fairly new devices to use the app. The company has put out the list of compatible devices to use with the posters. Unlike the Virtuali-tee shirts, the AR technology allows the user to move the device away from the trigger image (poster) and explore the objects from all angles.
Virtuali-Tee works best on the following devices: iPhone 5s, 6, 6s, 7 or later. iPad 3 (2012) or later. iPad Mini 4 (2015) or later. Samsung Galaxy S5 or later. Note5 or later. A3 or later. J3 or later. Tab A, Tab E, Tab S, Tab Pro. Huawei Honor 6 or later. Mate 7 or later. G7 or later. P6 or later. Nova. Google Pixel. HTC U and One. LG Q, G3 or later. Motorola Droid Turbo, Moto X, G, M, Z, E4 or later. Sony Xperia Z3 or later. M4 or later. C4 or later. E5 or later.
Since the app is free, Curiscope recommends downloading the app and viewing the experience using the image below to confirm that your device is compatible with the new app. Download the iOS or the Android app.
Many classrooms include posters on the walls, so why not make them interactive? If the first release from Curiscope has your head spinning with ideas, then get ready because more updates are to come. Get your augmented reality posters here and be prepared to bring the universe into your classroom.
This blog is part of the #31DaysofARVRinEDU event. Expect a new augmented or virtual reality resource for the classroom to post every day in March. All subscribers will receive daily notifications.
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