SUMMER LEARNING MEANS VENTURING INTO AUGMENTED REALITY FOR STUDENTS

The San Jose Mercury News 
August 7, 2018
By Rachel Basso, Correspondent, Silicon Valley Community News
 

When they return to class this fall, 48 San Jose students will have a unique answer to “What did you do this summer?”

At the YMCA’s Summer Learning Program held at Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary School in San Jose, first through third grade students walked with dinosaurs, jetted off into outer space, or saw the inside of a bee. All of it via augmented reality.

Chuck Grant, YMCA of Silicon Valley Board Member, volunteers his time as a virtual and augmented reality expedition leader in the hopes of inspiring youth to love science and technology. Grant and his team of volunteers led the students through exciting educational adventures using Google technology.

“This is the 6th session of expeditions we’ve led now, some virtual reality and some augmented,” said Grant. “The kids have gotten to go scuba diving, explore the ocean, see inside bees, and look at dinosaurs, they pick up using the technology really quickly.”

Many students discovered personal passions during the lesson, including 1st grader Mateo Arana, whose favorite part of the day was looking at dinosaurs. “I want to be a paleontologist,” Mateo shared.

While extreme adventures, like seeing live dinosaurs, are unexpected for any elementary school students, the unfortunate reality is that exposure to cutting edge technology is equally as unexpected for underprivileged students in the Silicon Valley.

Over the summer, youth from low-income families struggle to access enriching educational opportunities, often left without adequate adult supervision. By the end of 5th grade, students lacking quality summer enrichment options can fall years behind their peers.

“It’s far better to keep kids learning and engaged than sitting on the couch all day,” says Grant.

Summer learning opportunities like this augmented reality experience keep under-served youth engaged and healthy so they can realize their full potential.

“I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can give back, and to work at a company that encourages it.” Grant had an easy time recruiting a team of co-workers from Google to join him as volunteers. “Working in the technology industry, I’m always looking for new ways to expand exposure to technology.” For Grant, there is no better use of the technology than education.

Grant and his team of volunteers provide an overwhelmingly positive experience for the students during each expedition, which they hope sparks a lifelong desire to learn. He’s continually working to expand access to cutting edge technology for all students.

Rachel Basso is the marketing communications manager for the YMCA of Silicon Valley. 

Read the original story here: 
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/25/summer-learning-means-venturing-into-augmented-reality-for-students/