Little Lou Library

                A close up view of a student using the AR program on a cell phone at their desk. Sourced from https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2018/01/17/metaverse-ar/                As educators, we continue to seek out technological advances, engaging activities, and new learning experiences for our students. The use of virtual and augmented reality within the school setting has the potential to bring each of these elements together. One popular AR program is offered by Metaverse, and the best part is that it is completely free!   A computer is necessary to set up the account and create the AR experiences, then a mobile device can be used to view them. Once you create an account, the Metaverse website has a variety of resources to help you get started, including many tutorial videos that explain the different components offered and provide examples of how to use them. Each created ...

Photo: A library with a green screen area. Sourced from https://www.isd194.org/lme/media-center      Makerspaces can come in many different shapes and sizes and offer a variety of experiences. One concept that is new to me is the idea of using green screen technology in the makerspace. As seen in the lecture video by Dr. Moorefield-Lang, desktop-sized green screens can be made for students to use for puppet shows (2021). Through this activity, students could use the makerspace to create the puppets and props, write the script, and then record and edit the video. Makerspaces also do not have to be filled with the latest and greatest tech to provide a meaningful experience for users. If having a low budget is a concern, you can use random low-cost items that will still spark interest and creativity in the minds of young users ( Fontichiaro , 2019). Therefore, using paper that the school most likely already has or recycled pizza boxes are great low-cost ideas that will stil...