Blog Post #9 Virtual Reality in the Library

Image from Freepik

 “VR and AR are not gimmicks and must be seen as valid additions to the toolkit that may be used by libraries to engage their audience, not only with the latest technology but also with the goal in mind of ensuring a proper approach to teaching information literacy (Massis, 2015).” Augmented reality and virtual reality can help your library patrons better understand the world around them and utilize the latest technology. 

For school libraries, AR and VR can allow students to experience the school curriculum in a whole new way. For example, students can experience the full force of a storm virtually or learn about the anatomy of the body using virtual reality. Bringing AR and VR into your library does not have to be expensive. There are several ways to explore AR and VR for free online. Google Arts and Culture have tons of virtual field trips for students to experience. YouTube has several 360-degree videos. When used with special VR goggles and a smartphone it turns into an immersive experience. 

Image from CoSpaces Edu

Another great way to bring AR and VR into your library is by using CoSpaces Edu. CoSpaces Edu easily allows students to build 3D models with kid-friendly tools, write code with block coding, and explore their creations in AR or VR. Signing up for CoSpaces Edu is free. A free account offers many perks such as: inviting up to 29 students, creating up to 2 CoSpaces and  1 class, creating 1 assignment, uploading up to 10 external files, and coding with basic CoBlocks. A Pro account offers many more features for a small fee. If you are interested in using AR and VR technology, consider CoSpaces Edu. Check out the video below to learn more about this awesome resource. 

Getting Started with CoSpaces Edu? Check out this Educator Toolkit! CoSpaces Edu makes their site so easy to use with tons of videos, lesson plans, and even an educator course to get started. Click here to learn more!

Citations

Massis, B. (2015), Using virtual and augmented reality in the library. New Library World, Vol. 116. Iss 11/12 pp. 796 - 799

CoSpaces Edu license plans for schools and districts. (2020). Cospaces.io. https://cospaces.io/edu/pricing.html

Blog Post #8 Makerspaces

Makerspace graphic from LeaderinMe.org.

Makerspaces are becoming more popular with each passing year. Libraries, schools, and classrooms across the country are creating these unique spaces. So what is a makerspace and how can it support student learning and achievement? According to Makerspace.com, “A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools…These spaces are also helping to prepare those who need critical 21st-century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  They provide hands-on learning, help with critical thinking skills and even boost self-confidence (2015).” Like most states across the country, South Carolina is pushing for students to develop 21st-century skills that will help them be college and career ready. Adding a makerspace to your school library is the perfect way to introduce those skills in a low-stress environment.

In an article by Lauren Britton, she describes how makerspaces are not just spaces for consumption but spaces for creation. Think to yourself…where else in the school can a student go to create and explore? She states that “Incorporating Maker spaces into library service can have a life-altering impact on community members, who then have the tools, access, and training necessary to tinker with and remake their world (2012).” Britton also notes that makerspaces foster play and exploration while providing opportunities for informal learning and peer-to-peer interactions.

Magnet block creation made by my student.

Wood structure creation made by my students.

Magnet block creation made by one of my students.

Makerspaces don’t have to be expensive or intricate. Use the supplies you have and check out blogs for ideas. My favorite “maker” blog is Instructables.com. Specifically, Instructables Teachers. This blog has makerspace ideas organized by subject, grade level, and resource type. If you’re just starting out, you need to bookmark this blog. I found a post on Tinkercad. This resource is free and accessible to all. Students can create their own 3D digital designs, write code, or create circuits. Tinkercad also has a classroom setting, which allows you to create assignments and send them to students. Did I mention that your class can have up to 250 students?! 

Tinkercad Logo

Sample design of a space rover from Tinkercad.

I plan to use Tinkercad with my 4th-grade students. They are learning about the solar system. Each student will create a 3D model of their assigned planet using Tinkercad. I look forward to using this site for many more projects. I hope you will use it too.

Citations

Makerspaces.com. (2015, November 27). What is a Makerspace? Is it a Hackerspace or a Makerspace? Makerspaces.com. https://www.makerspaces.com/what-is-a-makerspace/

The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption. (2022). Thedigitalshift.com. http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/

Tinkercad | From mind to design in minutes. (2022). Tinkercad. https://www.tinkercad.com/