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.

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