QR Codes & Layered Reality

QR Codes:

Here's a QR code that I created using qr-code-generator.com. I made it so that, when scanned, students in my ELA classes are taken to my "virtual library." This is a Google Folder with a series of digital books. I created the folder during the pandemic, when we were constantly out of the classroom due to outbreaks. It allowed students to access some reading materials even when learning online. The QR code makes it even simpler to access for students. I could see using this in my ELA classroom or in the library setting. According to QR Code Tiger, "By using QR codes in school libraries, you can easily redirect students to engaging and informative information about your library without spending or typing for it on the internet" ("Why Do You need a QR Code" section). In my case, students would be able to easily access those digital books without having to search for the link.

Virtual Field Trip:

I explored the Van Gogh Museum's 4K virtual tour. It was impressive how detailed and realistic the tour was. I really appreciate the museum's efforts to make the exhibits accessible online for patrons who can't attend in person. This is a place that I've dreamed of visiting and haven't been able to due to distance. I also hope to attend the Van Gogh Expo eventually because I really love the painting Sunflowers and would like to be immersed in it.

Educational Uses of Layered Reality

As I mentioned above, I've dreamed of exploring the Van Gogh Museum in person. I was able to experience it virtually thanks to layered reality through their 4K virtual tour. This ability would be especially useful in education. Librarians and classroom teachers could use this tool to offer students new experiences and learning opportunities without leaving the classroom or library. According to Immersion VR, "Virtual reality can improve education by providing students with memorable and immersive experiences that would otherwise not be possible ("How can virtual reality improve education?" section). I'd be really interested in experiencing an immersive classroom, which Immersion VR describes as "...a teaching room in which images are projected onto the internal walls of the room. This creates a virtual environment within the classroom" ("Implementing VR in the classroom" section). This could be an incredible experience for students and an incredible tool for educators. Access is the name of the game for librarians, and these types of educational experiences would really widen access for students.

References:

10 ways to use QR codes in school libraries. QR Code Tiger. (2022). https://www.qrcode-tiger.com/qr-codes-in-school-libraries

VR for education - the future of education. Immersion VR. (2022). https://immersionvr.co.uk/about-360vr/vr-for-education/