Jaime Donally - The Immersive Classroom: Create Customized Learning Experiences with AR/VR

The Immersive Classroom
Create Customized Learning Experiences with AR/VR
Jaime Donally

2021 International Society for Technology in Education

World rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systemwithout prior written permission from the publisher. Learn more at iste.org/resources/thought-leadership/permissions-and-reprints.

Director of Books and Journals: Colin Murcray
Acquisitions Editor: Valerie Witte
Managing Editor: Emily Reed
Editor: Courtney Burkholder
Proofreader: Laura Gibson
Indexer: Wendy Allex
Book Design and Production: Jeff Puda
Cover Design: Beth DeWilde

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020949337

First Edition
ISBN: 978-1-56484-853-6
Ebook version available.

Printed in the United States of America.
ISTE is a registered trademark of the International Society for Technology in Education.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation. Our worldwide network believes in the potential technology holds to transform teaching and learning.

ISTE sets a bold vision for education transformation through the ISTE Standards, a framework for students, educators, administrators, coaches and computer science educators to rethink education and create innovative learning environments. ISTE hosts the annual ISTE Conference & Expo, one of the worlds most influential edtech events. The organizations professional learning offerings include online courses, professional networks, year-round academies, peer-reviewed journals and other publications. ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org. Subscribe to ISTEs YouTube channel and connect with ISTE on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Learning Transported: Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality for All Classrooms by Jaime Donally

Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrows World by Rachelle Dene Poth

A former PK8 math teacher turned technology integration specialist, Jaime Donally has spent more than a decade at the classroom and district levels thinking about how educators can practically use augmented, virtual, and mixed realities. In her current role as an independent education consultant, she provides professional development on immersive technology to districts and at conferences. She also runs a weekly Twitter chat about AR and VR in education. Donally is the author of Learning Transported, which aims to tackle the fears and hurdles of immersive reality integration, and get teachers on board with successful implementation.

As I began the journey of writing my second book, I was given the blessing of time and encouragement from my friends and family. The effort of establishing a new consulting business, the loss of family members, and the challenges of a global pandemic all seemed to stall the possibility that this book would ever come to fruition. Writing is a genuine struggle for me, and my dependence on God was daily. I absolutely found His power through my weakness.

I could not have completed this project without my husband Frank consistently reminding me to take it one day at a time. He diligently worked on his dissertation while motiving me to keep going. It was my childrenElias, Hannah, and Ellianawho regularly evaluated augmented and virtual reality tools so I could confidently recommend the best resources. They are the classroom experts on this topic and I have no doubt that their knowledge of immersive technology will help them in their future careers. Im incredibly grateful to my family for supporting me, through prayers and love, to finish this journey.

A special thanks to Jimmy, Jesse, Jolee, Jayden, Jace, and Chelsea Lynn for taking on every AR/VR challenge I shared while providing a weekend escape from work to gather as a family.

My sincere appreciation to Marialice, Rachelle, Andi, the Global Maker Day organizing team, and my53s, who regularly check-in and give recommendations to keep moving forward. Youve been there through the joy and the pain and I deeply value our friendship.

Thanks to the #ARVRinEDU community, who shared inspiring ideas week in and week out to support classroom innovation around the globe. These educators went above and beyond to regularly support others: Linda, Katie, David, Kim, Denise, Caitlin, Drezek, Priscilla, Alfonso, and Maria.

Finally, I want to appreciate my mom for giving me the confidence to pursue my passion. The constant reminder that I can do anything has spilled over into every aspect of my life, making risk taking my normal practice. I cant imagine who I would be without you in my life, and Im so blessed to call you my mom.

This book is dedicated to Papi, who never asked for anything
but a bucket of $100 bills! We will all meet you one day in paradise
and forever have fun, fun, fun together.

Lets begin with the title of this book, which immediately invites readers to immerse themselves into a personalized learning experience with AR/VR. The Immersive Classroom: Creating Customized Learning Experiences with AR/VR is not just a how to get started book, but is an invaluable resource with stories that connect to all types of learning styles. No matter where you find yourself on your immersive technology journey, this book empowers you as a learner while raising awareness to ensure that immersive technologies are accessible for all.

As an untraditional learner myself, I initially thought immersive technology was just for technology enthusiasts. As Ive been a part of the ARVRinEDU community for years now, Ive learned that immersive technologies are for everyone. Jaime Donally has always put the focus on human needs before technology. Over the years, she has built an inclusive global community where meeting the needs of individual learners is her top priority. This customized approach meets the learner where they are and highlights their abilities instead of their disabilities.

Ive been blessed to share the stage with Jaime as we have co-presented about digital citizenship and emerging technologies. For me, what Jaime does is different than others in this space because she focuses on a personalized approach to learning and embeds standards and skills into everyday lessons and routines, making immersive technology not just an add-on, but rather an extension to learning through powerful and personal experiences.

In the world of digital citizenship, we are always looking for authentic ways to help students be alert, balanced, engaged, informed, and inclusive. More importantly, we are interested in making digital citizenship a verbsomething we actively do every single day. Jaime is able to champion learning through action, which she shares through powerful stories of students and classrooms immersed in learning.