Giving Compass' Take:

• Here are some considerations to keep in mind for educators using AR/VR technology for kids, and how best to mitigate potential issues in the classroom. 

• Does your local school system support AR/VR tools in the classroom? How can donors encourage more tech in the classroom? 

• Learn how AR/VR apps can help prepare kids for the future.


Looking back just 5 years ago, there were a limited number of immersive technology tools for the classroom. Most of them were intended for entertainment and only the most eager educators ready to embrace augmented and virtual reality were able to make connections to classroom curriculum. Things have certainly changed.

We now have an enormous library of augmented and virtual reality resources specifically for education and my device is filled with folders and folders of apps, ranging from science to language arts to subjects across the curricular spectrum.

While these tools are becoming more popular and numerous, ones specifically geared toward early elementary students continue to be limited.

As a result, I’ve found educators trying to make existing tools fit. The error I see many beginning to make is forgetting about the diverse needs of our younger students or, worse, pushing tools intended for older students on younger ones. When considering immersive technology resources for our early elementary students, I’ve shared some important, practical areas to keep in mind.

  • Safety One of the most alarming concerns I’ve noticed trending this past year is pushing headsets on young children.
  • Simple Interface The tool must be easy enough for teachers to open and give to students to begin learning at this young age.
  • Engagement and Interactions In many ways, immersive technology easily attracts and keeps the interest of our students. While the short term “wow” factor may initially interest kids, that effect is short-lived when students aren’t truly engaged and interacting with the content.
  • Curriculum I’ve found many educators excited and eager to use immersive technology in the classroom; however, while they have good intentions, they struggle to find the connection to curriculum or to use the technology effectively.

Read the full article about AR/VR and young learners by Jaime Donally at EdSurge.