I apologize for the hiatus in our newsletter. I was on parental leave welcoming my son, Jack, into this world. It’s good to be back!
ARKit now available on iOS 11!
If you follow this newsletter closely, you know I’m very excited about the lo-fi augmented reality experiences enabled by Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore. Both are available to the public and the initial apps do not disappoint. Check out Atlas (an anatomy app) and Sky Guide (star atlas) for some of the best educational apps so far.
These AR experiences work great with the CTLT’s iPads. If you are faculty and want to use these experience in your classroom, connect with me!
Virtual Reality Casting Call?
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to act on stage?
Acting takes time, courage and a lifelong dedication that very few possess, and even less can do well… The creators behind Theatre VR say the program will allow you to experience what it is like to be an actor. Giving you the choice of which play and role to engage in, you’re fed your lines and given the opportunity to interact with either AI-driven or real players. (roadtoVR.com)
In theory, this sounds thrilling but I wonder how well the development comes together. I’ll be sure to download their demo if anyone on campus wants to try it out.
Timelooper
The educational power of immersive technologies comes from, in part, the sense of presence and scale that is simply not possible with traditional media. Timelooper is a mobile VR application that takes viewers to famous places during important moments in history (i.e. Trafalger Square, 1940 during Blitz). For me, the app is a bit cartoonish but is an interesting start to what I expect to be much more exciting and immersive experiences – particularly once AR merges with this. For instance, standing in Trafalgar Square and experience the square at different moments in history. This type of AR will likely require an ‘AR cloud’ – a topic I’ll talk more about next month.
Review of app: https://www.virtualiteach.com/single-post/2017/09/09/Virtual-time-travel-with-Timelooper