As many of you know, schools, events, and conferences are beginning to close to limit potential exposure of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our current situation is drawing attention to possible options when it comes to face to face meetings that provide meaningful learning opportunities.
A variety of online meeting spaces allow connections through video chat, but there are also many new virtual spaces released in the past few years that will enable connections in a 360 environment. Some of the spaces offer incredible visuals and presentation slides but require software to load on your computer. Other apps are great meeting spaces, but the site is open to anyone to join, and you’ll expose attendees to discussions that may or may not be appropriate. I’ve found excellent virtual spaces, but then learned I need a different VR headset to join or I must install a hefty software to my computer to participate. When I think I’ve finally found the right virtual space, I learn about the ridiculous price tag and immediately mark it off my list. With so many options, it can feel like you’re searching for a needle in a haystack...until NOW!
The Mozilla Hubs is full of incredible learning opportunities for your students, conferences, meetings, etc.. I had the chance to explore this virtual space using my computer, iPhone (web), Oculus Quest (web), and my Oculus Go (web). All of these platforms AND MORE can connect in these virtual spaces using Mozilla Hub. The flexibility is necessary to consider when making the site accessible for all of our attendees.
Want to join my space? Hop in and see if anyone else is joining the chat at https://hub.link/CdRBdXU.
Let’s add another incredible feature - BUILD! Build your own virtual space (using Spoke) to invite your attendees to collaborate, create, and connect. Check out my 15-minute video (reduced to 8 minutes) of how I easily customized my space and invited myself on my iPhone. This process can be as simple or complex based on your preference for your virtual space. When in the space, you can also upload 3D objects, use the drawing tool, and take a selfie. If necessary, you can also turn on your camera to see each other face to face as well.
When I joined in with my Oculus Quest, I decided to explain the space on Facebook Live. Watch the experience as I describe Mozilla Hubs.
This site is a real game-changer for me because I plan to host my first ARVRinEDU event with you next month. Stay tuned for details and invitations to participate. I now have a place to host a virtual event in a practical way.
Last but not least, did I mention that Mozilla Hubs is FREE!!! Yes, completely free.
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.
I'm excited to share our winner from the first week of the #31DaysofARVRinEDU event!
Congratulations to Christine Dixon who shared how one of the tools from this week supported the classroom curriculum while added some fun!
Christine has won an ARVRinEDU shirt, a signed Learning Transported book and the new Companion Jumpstart Guide.