HP Reveal: A Cool AR App to Use With Students

Learning about how to use augmented and virtual reality as a tool in libraries and classrooms this week was inspiring. While familiar with both concepts, I have never seen then used in the classroom or school. When viewing Augmented and Virtual Reality by Janet Corder and Joan Gore, I further explored the link they shared 32 Augmented Reality Apps for the Classroom. After reading this brief article, I explored the widget created via edshelf by Chris Beyerle. You can print the entire thing with QR codes or URLs if you think it may be useful to share during a professional development with teachers. It’s a great curation of cool AR apps to use at school in one spot. I decided to try out HP Reveal (top left in screenshot below), previously Aurasma. I was interested in it after reading Using Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Library (Massis), and here it was again. 

The video below does a great job explaining how to use the app. There are many available on YouTube, so you can search for various ones that may meet your needs.

HP Reveal is compatible with iOS and Android devices, plus it’s free. To locate the app, simply go to your app store via your device. Search for HP Reveal and download. Once I downloaded the device on my phone, I began to brainstorm ways I could use this with students. While the Massis article gave an example of an art gallery and exhibit, I needed to think of ways to make it tie in with my ELA standards. I think this AR app can be used within text to add layers of pictures that go with the topics within the text. For example, if my fifth graders are reading Number the Stars, I could add auras of actual pictures from WWII within the text. These pictures would provide a layer of multimedia sources within the book study. I also think I could use HP Reveal as way for students to present their visuals on research. Since you have the option of making an original video as an aura, students could use there Chromebooks to record a video of themselves explaining their research and visual. We could use the visual as the target and overlay the video on it. Students could go around the room with iPads and phones that have the app and watch their classmates present via AR. I think using this app with my students at the beginning of the year as a scavenger hunt to familiarize them with the school and my class would be a cool way to jazz up the beginning of the year introductory class. While I brainstormed ways to use this app through an ELA lens, I think it could easily be used across the curriculum. With research and inquiry being a priority within all standards, I think HP Reveal is a great way to engage students and pull in multiple resources to display through AR. The brief video below is one I found of a teacher explaining the HP Reveal app and demonstrating how to use it when reading a text. This is an easy way to get started with the app.

I began using the app couple of weeks ago to take advantage of working ahead. I found it easy to use and understand. This is a huge endorsement because I typically have to play around with tech for a while to really feel comfortable with it. I started working on creating auras to use within my genius hour class where students were working creating alternate endings to popular classic movies. Students were creating original storyboards for their endings to accompany their writing. I met with out technology coach about filming the students reading their endings, then placing the videos as an aura on their storyboards. We both felt this was a fun way to try it out with students. Unfortunately, when my phone updated to iOS 13.2 on Tuesday of this week, the app no longer would apply the auras. I contacted the company via the email provided on the app, and I received a prompt reply that they would be in touch. I have not heard back yet. 

        

When I explored the issue online, I found that this has happened to many people when the new iOS update happened on their phone. I did want to share that for full disclosure. This did not completely mess up my students and plan since we recorded on our Chromebooks. The videos are saved and we are going to figure out a different approach since our devices at school are all updated. I will keep you posted. I am hopeful the glitch with be resolved soon!

References

Corder, J., & Gore, J. (2019, July 08). Augmented and Virtual Reality. Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://www.smore.com/g2acm-augmented-reality

Massis. (2015). Using virtual and augmented reality in the library. New Library World, 116(11/12), 796-799. doi:10.1108/nlw-08-2015-0054

Staff, T. (2019, January 01). 32 Augmented Reality Apps for the Classroom. Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://www.teachthought.com/technology/32-augmented-reality-apps-for-the-classroom-from-edshelf/