McGraw Hill, Verizon Launch Free Augmented Reality App for K–12

McGraw Hill and Verizon this week launched a new, free app for K–12 to bring augmented reality to the classroom.

The app, McGraw Hill AR, is designed to "bring academic concepts to life and give students and educators new ways to engage with educational content," according to the companies.

Designed for common mobile devices, it offers standards-aligned lesson plans through Verizon's online education portal, Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. At launch time, McGraw Hill AR offers three algebra readiness activities, along with geometry for grades 6–12, designed as supplements to any core curriculum with the aim of improving student engagement. The companies indicated a "full suite of 10 math-centric activities" will be live by this fall.

“As we look to combine the value of hands-on learning with the benefits of emerging technologies, we found AR to be a natural area of exploration in the development of our suite of education tools,” said Shawn Smith, chief innovation officer for McGraw Hill’s School group. “Following the disruptions to classroom learning over the past few years, our AR app will pioneer new ways of engaging students with important concepts and materials. While AR technology may still be an area of uncertain utility today, we see the possibility of boundless impact tomorrow and are excited to take this step in support of the students and teachers we serve.”

The McGraw Hill AR app is available now for Android and iOS phones and tablets in the Apple Store and Google Play. The app is free.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • school building protected by a glowing blue shield with circuit patterns, blocking red-orange cyber threat icons

    Establishing a Proactive Defense Against Evolving Cyber Threats

    Here are six good starting points for K-12 districts that want to improve their cybersecurity mitigation strategies and take a more proactive approach to mitigating risk.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Host of Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major cybersecurity advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • soft-edged digital blocks and AI imagery on a muted background

    OpenAI Launches GPT-4.1, Offering Upgrades in Coding, Context Processing, Efficiency

    OpenAI has introduced GPT-4.1, offering stronger performance across software development, instruction following, and long-context comprehension.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.