Earlier in the month, I shared Spoke by Mozilla to customize and built virtual reality spaces using Mozilla Hubs. While searching for similar platforms, I've come across UtopiaVR. The feature similarities are literally identical, but an assortment of rooms have been created to easily share links. Thematic rooms like conference buildings, boardrooms, classrooms and villages are perfect learning environments to bring your students. Additional fun spaces are available such as disco rooms, tech centers and winter wonderlands to add some fun to the environment.
When beginning a free account with UtopiaVR, there are a few considerations to have a successful experience. First, the site is quite laggy at the moment although up to 25 people can join on multiple platforms (laptops, Chromebooks, mobile devices, tablets, VR headsets). The biggest problem typically occurs at the beginning when first joining, but it's possible for potential freezes in the platform. Second, the spaces are somewhat limited to create content, with the exception of loading 3D objects and locking them in the space. I believe most classrooms want spaces that have already been designed, so I do think this is not a problem when beginning to use VR meeting spaces. Third, use your video meeting space for audio, and avoid using the audio in VR meeting spaces such as Hubs, Utopia and MootUp. All of these platforms would be best for the visual experience, and the audio features are still a bit delayed.
"An educator can bring the class to a museum, convention center, office, boardroom, tech center, and more." page 104 of The Immersive Classroom
Continue to follow the 31DaysofARVRinEDU this month as we explore immersive resources.
UPDATE: The winners of The Immersive Classroom book giveaway will be announced LIVE on March 31st. The information to join will come at the end of the month. Thanks to ISTE, we are giving away 10 signed copies of The Immersive Classroom. I need more winners! Post how these tools can be used in the classroom on social media using 31DaysofARVRinEDU and WIN!
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