Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Free McGraw Hill Augmented Reality App Expanding Capabilities for K–12

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 07/20/23

McGraw Hill and Verizon Innovative Learning have announced new subject offerings and a collaborative feature update to their free mobile augmented reality app, McGraw Hill AR, launched last year. The updates will work both in and out of the classroom.

The app has 3D and gamification capabilities that encourage active learning about real-world challenges in lessons that are aligned with education standards, the company said. Its “self-driven and intuitive nature encourages student agency and allows them to be more independent in their learning.”

“The students found the app extremely easy to use,” said Erin Lafond, a teacher at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, NJ. “They were appropriately challenged by some of the exercises, but they weren't discouraged at all, in fact, it was actually the opposite. They were so engaged that even when the bell rang, they didn't want to leave the classroom and just wanted to figure out the current challenge."

The updates include:

  • Social studies activities aligned to ELA standards, available now;

  • Science-related courses and math activities enhancing the library’s original 10 math lessons, coming this fall;

  • A new multi-language feature offering Spanish versions of the original 10 math lessons;

  • Web versions of the original 10 lessons and activities, available to Chromebooks and other laptops, coming this year;

  • A group functionality for certain lessons to create collaborative learning in or outside of the classroom; and

  • A spatial mapping activity with increased immersive AR experience for students and teachers, coming later this year.

Most activities are aimed at grades 6 through 12, but some are appropriate for upper elementary grades, the company said. Educators have free access to professional lesson plans targeted for K–12 through the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ online immersive extended reality (XR) portal.

The McGraw Hill AR app is available for download now on any Apple or Android tablet or smartphone via the App Store and Google Play. Educators can access accompanying lesson plans at Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • elementary schoolchildren using digital tablet in classroom

    CoSN: 3 Principles that Should Guide Screen Time Policies in Schools

    CoSN, the professional association for K-12 education technology leaders, has released new guidance to help schools navigate the screen time debate and develop technology policies that protect students while supporting learning.

  • Students using laptops in classroom

    Stop Asking Whether Students Can Use AI

    As generative AI has become embedded in the tools students use to search, write, create, translate, organize, and receive feedback, the boundary between "using AI" and "not using AI" has become increasingly difficult to define. More importantly, treating AI use as a binary choice does little to help students understand the different roles AI can appropriately play in learning.

  • Girl playing video games

    5 Lessons Video Game Designers Can Teach Educators About Learning

    Video game designers spend an enormous amount of time studying what keeps people engaged when something becomes difficult. They have become very good at helping people persist. Schools should pay attention.

  • education funding and graduation symbols on wooden dice

    What Is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and How Will It Work?

    The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) is a new source of funding for education that could benefit 90% of students in states that have opted in to the program. However, some confusion and misconceptions exist surrounding details of the program, including which programs may qualify, how parents can apply for scholarships, and how public school students can benefit.