JigSpace and Google Expeditions

This week, I continued to play with the JigSpace app and Google Expeditions. While exploring these apps further, I considered how these tools could be implemented into a classroom. It is important to note that we should not heavily rely on any one tool for the instruction of class. These tools should be used as alternative methods of teaching a topic in a way that may be more engaging for certain students or elicit powerful discussions. 

I have really grown to love JigSpace particularly in relation to engineering applications. This application allows for users to explore phenomenon and machinery in augmented reality. Augmented reality refers to the embedding of virtual objects in our real world. We are able to see these objects through our phones/tablets/computers. In Physics and Engineering classes, it is frequently complicated to explain machinery and processes that relate to the curriculum. Internet searches can be dry and lack the excitement and engagement factor that gets kids motivated to learn. In this application, students can interact with objects and phenomenon, and understand its components in a systematic and engaging way. As a teacher, there is very little instruction needed. A teacher would serve as a guide through these demonstrations and help to elaborate and clear any confusion. Some examples that I particularly like are demonstrations of the jet engine, induction motor, and microwave oven. There are plenty more examples that I can explore but I believe that there should be an applicable demo for each unit (at least!). The jet engine demo could be used to explain concepts of thermodynamics and aerodynamics; The induction motor demo could be used to support understanding of electromagnetism; The microwave oven could be used to explain wave forms and their interactions with objects. Something that I hope to explore more with this application is the ability to create my own jigs. Perhaps this could be formed into an assignment for students where they have to create their own jigs to explain a certain phenomenon. These jigs are an excellent way for students to see a seemingly complex system, dissect it, and understand how it works in real time through detailed dialogue. One of the most complicated sections of Physics to me is understanding wavelengths and the visible light spectrum. Augmented reality could be a great way to better understand waves since it would allow for students to see something that is usually invisible in their real world environment. There are plenty of applications that this tool has and I absolutely see myself utilizing this in future lessons.

Google Expeditions is another tool that I found to be particularly interesting. While JigSpace is a bit more complex and content rich, Google Expeditions creates a context around a lesson. It allows students to become immersed in an environment that they would not normally be able to see in person without spending a significant amount of money on a plane (or spaceship) ticket or a time machine. While many of its applications are geared towards history, I wanted to figure out ways that this could be used in the sciences. The most interested way I felt this would be possible was through the exploration of space. Although astrophysics is not generally a part of curriculum, becoming immersed in a virtual reality within outer space is a great way to get some "ooh's and ah's" out of the students. One "expedition" that I viewed was a basics of quantum mechanics. This VR experience takes the user through a detailed written description of components in quantum physics (particles, photons, superposition, and even multiverse). These are all extremely complex concepts even in its "basic" sense. Not only is it difficult to see but it is difficult to understand how it interacts with our environment. Users are able to click on specific parts of the lesson description which brings them to the image in the virtual reality world so that they can simultaneously observe physical structures. Virtual reality in this application allows for students to become part of a reality that they would not be able to experience otherwise. This app also explores less complex systems and has learning tools such as a description of Isaac Newton and his laws, along with demonstrations of friction and airplane flight. There are certain things that may be easier to explain in a classroom setting such as newton's laws or friction, but concepts like airplanes, magnetism, and quantum physics are much more difficult to demonstrate in a classroom. Although virtual reality goggles would enhance the experience, students can still itneract with the environment on their phones or computers by clicking and dragging. While videos could be utilized, students are then bound by the restrictions of the view angle or progression through content that is set by whoever designed the video. AR and VR allows for a much more personalized and intimate approach to learning.

These demonstrations are fun and answer a lot of nuance questions and confusions. I highly suggest taking a look at these demonstrations on these applications as they have content that I believe can enhance learning, increase engagement and excitement from students, all at a low cost.