Technology from Twinkl brings never seen before objects to the classroom

 

What would happen if you showed a 3D dinosaur to a classroom of children?

Thanks to the team at Twinkl and a new Apple technology called AR Quick Look, you can.

Twinkl has created the largest collection of educational digital models that you can view in the classroom in 3D through augmented reality (AR).

AR brings the real and virtual world together by superimposing computer generated images into real-world environments.

The collection of over 100 models includes planets, animals, parts of the human anatomy and even a unicorn or Santa Claus.

The models are free to access and can be used on the latest Apple devices, on the iOS 12 operating system.

“Teachers can use the models to add another layer of engagement to their lesson,” explained Pete Casson, Chief Technology Officer at Twinkl.

“For example, by showing animals that live in another country in geography, a beating heart in science or a character that the class is completing a writing exercise on.

“A model we are particularly proud of is the one of planet Earth that we have made. We created it using images taken from space by NASA, making it as realistic as possible. Through AR Quick Look, children can now hold a very accurate model of the earth as it turns in their hands.”

There is no need to download an application to use a AR Quick Look model. By clicking on an image using a device, teachers and pupils can view the model in 3D, or click to see it in AR.

The models are interactive as they can be seen from different angles or in closer detail by moving the phone or tablet screen. They include different textures and interact with the lighting of whatever space they’re in. As an example, the eyes of the animals are glossy and reflect the light in the room.

Although the models are ideal for use in the classroom, they aren’t limited to teaching and anyone can use them to enhance learning.

Twinkl plans to expand this catalogue and are working on various projects to support Android devices too. The company’s hope is to make all the models available on as many devices as possible.

“Everything we do at Twinkl is to help those who teach, so we will be creating other models based on feedback from educators about what they need and what will work for their pupils,” said Pete.

“We urge all educators, whether they are teachers, parents, childminders or nursery workers, to try out the models and let us know what they think. AR is an emerging technology, and we can only discover its real potential for education by trying it out with pupils.”

The models can be viewed or downloaded from the catalogue at www.twinkl.co.uk/reality

A full list of the devices that are compatible with the models can be found here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/help/twinkl-apps/im-having-trouble-installing-little-red

Twinkl is an online educational publisher and creates learning resources used by educators across the world. Every month around 8.1 million resources are downloaded from the Twinkl website.

For more information please visit twinkl.co.uk