In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of augmented reality (AR) to engage students more in their learning experiences. AR is a tool that allows the user to overlay virtual objects or information on the real-world environment, this creates enhanced and unique lessons for students to cultivate their creativity (Brij, & Belhadaoui, H., 2021).
One tool that is useful for primary school students is 'Osmo'. Osmo is an educational AR-based platform designed for children ranging from 3 and up. Osmo allows students to use a variety of educational activities and games on a digital and immersive platform (Tangible Play, Inc., 2021). How the system works is that it provides the user with a base that will hold an iPad or tablet and also comes with a reflecting piece that attaches to the camera of the device allowing it to view the play area directly in front of it. Osmo lets students interact with a variety of games using different physical objects such as shapes, numbers and letter tiles (Tangible Play, Inc., 2021). These objects are sensed by the camera and the games respond accordingly to the student's actions in the play area.
Osmo can benefit students through its ability to foster digital creativity in the classroom. This platform encourages students to use their creative thinking and problem-solving skills through play-based learning. For example, the Osmo Creative Set provides students with the opportunity to draw, paint and animate using makers and whiteboards. This provides students with an outlet to explore their creativity and view their real-world drawings on a digital screen while developing useful skills such as hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Furthermore, Osmo provides students with a personalised learning experience as these activities and games can be tailored to the individual student's abilities and needs. Osmo Number is a great example of this as the game allows students to practice their maths skills using number tiles and the application provides difficult challenges for some students who are needing more advanced questions. This is beneficial for teachers as they can set Osmo as a fun additional task for students who finish set work faster than the average student.
Although Osmo clearly shows great potential in the classroom there is a concern that teachers and students can become over-reliant on technology. While Osmo is a valuable and useful tool for learning it is important to not replace this as a substitute for more hands-on activities and socially interactive group lessons where you allow students to have open discussions. Having a balanced classroom of digital and non-digital lessons will greatly benefit students learning.
Through my personal experience using Osmo Words and Osmo Pizza Co I have found this to be a very engaging and fun way of learning, using creative ways to play and learn with friends makes this a digital technology I would recommend to all primary school teachers to use if able to.
References:
Brij, & Belhadaoui, H. (2021). Virtual and Augmented Reality in school context: A literature review. E3S Web of Conferences, 297, 1027–. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202129701027
Tangible Play, Inc. (2021). WHAT IS OSMO? Osmo. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://support.playosmo.com/hc/en-us/articles/235182547-What-is-Osmo-
Hi Margot,
I really enjoyed your blog post. It was really interesting to me to learn about the technology Osmo as I wasn't in class in week 5 and I missed out on exploring the different technologies, so was interested to read how this technology works and how it can be used to actually foster creativity and learning. I loved the pictures you included from the tutorial, I thought it was great to see how people interacted with the different technologies in class. Overall I really enjoyed reading this blog post.
Shira Charif
Great analysis of Osmo Margot! I have only tried individual Osmo apps, so I have just learned of Osmo’s potential for play-based learning tailored to every learner’s needs through this blog. Though the blog is already incredibly informative, it would be better if you could include footages of yourself using some of these apps. Osmo is an entire app suite, with each app having different capabilities for learning, so not having examples may give teachers confusion as to how this technology as a whole can be integrated into teaching.
~ Emilia Nguyen, 11/04/2023
Hi Margot,
The blog was super easy to read!
You provided some great key points on how Osmo words can be used in the classroom. I also like that you mention that it's better for a balance between AR and a hands on experience I agree. I would of liked to know if you found any limitations of using Osmo, however you did mention that you found it very engaging.
Alicia xerri 10/04/23