Google beta-tests their new augmented reality program at OLMC!

For the annual, week-long celebration of Catholic Schools Week across the country, Tenafly’s Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel school was chosen to beta-test Google’s new educational initiative in augmented reality (AR) called Google Expeditions.

On Wednesday January 31, over 300 students—grades 1-8—from both OLMC and the middle school from the Academy of Our Lady of Grace in Fairview, NJ participated in the beta test. Teachers throughout the day used the program to teach lessons that included the world of ancient Rome, Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, DNA and RNA, World War I and II and phases of the moon. The day also served as a team-building exercise, allowing teachers from different disciplines and schools to collaborate and work together.

“We’re fortunate to have Google here with us today. It really ups the ante for what we’re already doing in terms of integrating technology into classrooms. AR is a new way of teaching and enhancing the learning experience for students by keeping them engaged” said Mrs. Kim Goldberg, OLMC’s technology integrator and head of the school’s MakerSpace classroom. Mrs. Goldberg organized the event which had been in the planning stages for over a year.

The tech behemoth’s new program allows students to get in the center of 360-degree photos and 3D scenes of historical importance. The program enables students’ virtual trips to places like the Taj Mahal and the Coliseum or to go behind the scenes of Alexander Hamilton’s life. Users can swim with sharks, visit outer space, walk through a museum, and more without ever leaving the classroom.

“Working with colleagues across disciplines and even schools was great” said team planner, and OLMC religion teacher Justin Fernandez. “Having students experience the world of ancient Rome for instance in the digital realm and then to see them have a blast in our theater department with Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. It was a day that truly celebrates the best in Catholic education.”

Miss Kelly Koval, the principal of the Academy OLMC, added “We hosted this day to enhance technology integration across the curriculum and to give the students an unforgettable experience. Witnessing the teachers and students fully engaged and inspired in each of the four events was truly inspiring.”

Catholic Schools Week rans nation-wide from January 28th through February 3rd. This year’s theme focused on the core elements of Catholic education “Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed.”
See a slideshow from the event below.