Students explore augmented reality with Google Expeditions program
Lugo Elementary first-graders exuded excitement as they hovered over their smart phones and ran semi-circles while tracking 3D dinosaurs that appeared in their classroom as a part of the Google Expeditions Augmented Reality Pioneer Program .
As one of a series of visits to Lynwood schools in March , Google representatives showcased the new program , which builds upon the widely popular virtual reality Google Expeditions technology .
“ Augmented reality gives students the chance to experience lessons together , rather than individually through virtual reality ,” Google representative Calvin Huang said . “ Ideally , teachers can teach lessons on topics and these programs can supplement those lessons .”
The program uses technology that scans and maps the physical room and projects 3D models throughout . Positional tracking allows students to walk around the objects or back away for a full view . Lugo students gasped as triceratops
Educators often cite the need for apps that provide visual cues to aid in communication , support transitions to reduce anxiety , and create a consistent structure in autistic students ’ daily schedules . Common Sense Education recommends the following apps to help kids learn to better identify and regulate emotions , communicate and express themselves , manage time and routines , and interact with others .
• Choiceworks Calendar : Empowering tool alleviates transition anxiety . Bottom line : Great structure , lots of visual choices , and ease of use make this tool a worthwhile investment . Grades 3-9 .
• ConversationBuilder : Themed scripts help kids practice successful social exchanges . Bottom line : For speech-language pathologists , this is a must-have tool morphed into velociraptors , tilting their phones to view new angles of the dinosaurs .
“ The dinosaurs look so real ,” first grader Sebastian Oropeza said . “ When you move around you can see the different sides of them , and it ’ s so cool .”
First graders also experienced a 3D lesson on camouflage animals , which included a zebra and a butterfly .
Teachers were trained on the program by a Google representative , allowing them to lead expeditions in their classrooms . In all , 16 first- through sixth-grade Lugo classrooms experienced the augmented reality lesson .
Google held similar showcases at Lynwood USD ’ s Washington , Will Rogers , Lincoln , Abbott and Lindbergh elementary schools .
Other augmented reality lesson plans include : forces of nature , human muscular system , the ocean floor , phases of the moon , and World Wars I and II .
“ Our students were blown away by
for helping kids learn conversation skills . Grades K-6 .
• Social Stories : Quick and simple behavior-reinforcement tool for kids with autism . Bottom line : Teachers will find this an efficient way to engage their students in understanding and creating social stories . Grades K-5 .
• FTVS HD – First Then Visual Schedule HD : Useful multisensory tool teaches self-direction and follow-through . Bottom line : This simple but powerful tool engages kids in independently following a schedule . Grades K-12 .
• TapToTalk : Unique way for kids with limited verbal skills to express themselves . Bottom line : Expensive but worthy investment can pay off in helping non-verbal kids learn to communicate thousands of things .
Google ’ s technology , which allowed them to experience things that we typically only read about ,” Lugo Principal Dionne Garner said . “ Being able to show curriculum rather than just tell it inspires students in a whole new way .”
Google ’ s visit to Lynwood Unified continues the district ’ s focus on technology . In October , the district unveiled a $ 250,000 science , technology , engineering , arts and mathematics mobile classroom , which is currently stationed at Lynwood Middle School . Washington Elementary School features a new robotics computer lab .
“ We ’ re excited to be growing as a district and equipping our students with stateof-the-art tools that will stimulate new possibilities for them ,” said Lynwood USD Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite . “ We want to thank Google for their partnership and helping to enhance our educational environment for our students and helping them see a world beyond our classrooms .”
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Common Sense Education recommends autism apps
Grades K-12 .
• QuestionIt : “ Wh ” questions taught in concrete ways for kids with language delays . Bottom line : A solid , if basic , approach to teaching question words and concepts to students with significant language issues . Grades K-7 .
• LanguageBuilderDeluxe : Audio , visual prompts help boost kids ’ communication skills . Bottom line : LanguageBuilderDeluxe is a useful tool for teaching and learning language skills , especially if adults are nearby to adjust app settings and provide feedback . Grades K-3 .
A student uses the Google Expeditions Augmented Reality Pioneer Program during a special showcase .
• The Social Express II : Fabulous multimedia lessons boost social-awareness skills . Bottom line : Compelling webisodes help students learn to cope with real-life situations . Grades 2-8 .
• Proloquo2Go – Symbol-based AAC : Brilliant tool helps kids with speech difficulties communicate . Bottom line : The price is hefty , but Proloquo2Go carries its weight by providing students and teachers an effective , one-of-a-kind communication tool .
Read the entire Common Sense list at https :// bit . ly / 2Ir692U .
AUTISM
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… it ’ s called a failed project ,” she said . “ We ’ ve got to get looking a lot more at the outcomes .”
The video also includes Grandin ’ s advice for learning and teaching , including :
• Autistic children can be taught social skills in a much better way . Don ’ t scream at them ; tell them what they should do . If they use their fingers to stir a drink , tell them to use a spoon .
• Students can miss consonant sounds , so teachers need to slow down and enunciate .
• Stretch autistic kids a little beyond their comfort zone . Don ’ t “ chuck them in deep end of the pool ,” but stretch them to reach their goals .
• Make sure process doesn ’ t take over for the goal .
• On bullying , Grandin said : “ The only place I was not bullied is where there was a shared interest .”
Grandin believes in mainstreaming as much as possible , as well as teaching basic living skills , such as assigning chores to teach the value of work and awarding an allowance to teach money skills .
It ’ s important to teach the students to feel they can contribute to society , she said .
“ Don ’ t get too hung up on the diagnosis ,” she said . The students who can ’ t dress themselves and the ones who could be in Silicon Valley both have the same diagnosis . But , she added , it ’ s not acceptable to put them in one class together .
Educators need to get out of their silos , Grandin concludes . She said she moves back and forth between different silos , leaning skills from one she can take to another . “ There ’ s a big world out there ,” she said .
Visit the Equity & Inclusion category at https :// content . acsa . org or go directly to the video at https :// bit . ly / 2Gz0rsy . Also available is Grandin ’ s keynote address on “ The Value of the Autistic Mind ” from the 2017 ACSA Every Child Counts Symposium , as well as a host of other equity resources and presentations .
The Autism Society ’ s nationwide effort to promote autism awareness , inclusion and self-determination is this year encouraging friends and collaborators to become partners in a movement toward acceptance and appreciation .
Ensuring acceptance and inclusion in schools and communities that results in true appreciation of the unique aspects of all people gets us one step closer to a society where those with autism spectrum disorders are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts .
National Autism Awareness Month represents an opportunity to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis each year .
The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community . Autism prevalence is now one in every 68 children in America . Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon – as a pin on your shirt , a magnet on your car , a badge on your blog , or even your Facebook profile picture – and educate folks on the potential of people with autism . To learn more about the Autism Awareness Ribbon , visit www . autism-society . org .
Every April , Autism Speaks kicks off World Autism Month , when hundreds of thousands of landmarks , buildings , homes and communities around the world light up in blue in recognition of people living with autism . Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support . Get involved at www . autismspeaks . org / wam / about .