Tech center creates AR feature in worksheets for blended learning

The PCI Tech Center has created worksheets that allows students to experience augmented reality or AR technology as the country shifts into blended learning amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to MJ Geronimo’s report on “Stand for Truth,” the images and QR codes within the worksheets must be scanned with smartphones.

“Once na na-detect nung phone plus nung application ‘yung images and the QR codes, ‘yun po ‘yung trigger. And then lalabas na ‘yung animations and the 3D options,” PCI Tech Center President Serge Ramos III said.

The  center saw the need to quickly complete the worksheets due to the lack of face-to-face classes amid the pandemic.

“Since the pandemic talagang almost impossible ‘yung normal way of teaching, so talagang ang pinaka go to materials natin ay printed worksheets. Gusto namin ma-elevate ‘yung quality ng experience. As in experience ng bata sa pag-aaral,” Ramos said.

Students may also write on the worksheets for various activities. For a more interactive learning, some selected lessons and concepts may be animated and watched on gadgets.

Ramos said the application will become available on Google Play and Apple.

“Later on, ipa-publish po namin ‘yung application sa Google Play and Apple Store. And then ida-download lang po ‘yung app. Once na meron na pong account, ifla-flash lang po siya doon sa mismong worksheet and lalabas na po ‘yung 3D objects or 3D animations,” he said.

Grade 6 student Denzel Hernandez said the worksheets have become easier to learn.

“Interactive po siya. Mas madali po kasi mas sanay po ako sa technology instead of old books. Doon po ako natuto maging advance po sa technologies,” Hernandez said.

He said he remembers his experience in gaming when using the worksheets.

“For me talaga, nakita ko it improves his engagement doon sa lessons and ‘yung knowledge retention. Kasi sabi nga interactive siya and mga modern students, hindi mo na talaga sila mahihiwalay sa mga gadgets,” Cybel Dana Saclag, his mother, said.

“‘Pag nasa book kailangan mo mag-make ng sounds, ‘yung mga ganun, para ma-explain sa kanya ‘yung sound nung thing na ‘yun or nung animal. Whereas, doon sa augmented reality, nandon na siya kung paano na-explain, ‘yung mas na vi-visualize talaga nila and mas madali for me na i-explain ‘yung mga lessons,” she added.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News