'I feel like I'm living in the future': TVDSB collaborates with new augmented reality app
A new augmented reality app has launched in St. Thomas, Ont. which is bringing history and culture to life in the city.
"I think one thing that the pandemic has taught us is that digital experiences are really important to connect us," says Daniel Kharlas, COO of EXAR Studios and co-founder of the app.
"Augmented reality is that tool where you bring the digital layering on top of the real world, and we want to bring real stories with that new digital medium. At the Veterans Memorial there is a beautiful mural that's been painted here there's more stories to tell about soldiers through time and we want to be able to tell that."
At the cenotaph in St. Thomas, the app brings up virtual poppies and users can click on profiles of local soldiers.
Engage AR app at Veterans Memorial in St. Thomas, Ont.
Engage ARt app at Veterans Memorial in St. Thomas, Ont.
There are five experiences in the city, with others in London. Port Stanley will be added later this year. In a partnership with Elgin County Museum, and funded by the Donna Evans Bushell Estate, the app will allow people to get history and culture on their smartphone.
"We wanted to add something that would help attract a younger audience, and really make something engaging for people to get to like at street level," says Andrew Gunn, consultant for the estate who provided funding for the app.
"A lot of small communities have museums that have been placed for a long time, and they provide such a valuable resource to document the past of our communities, but at the same time we have to find new ways to engage young people. There's been a massive transformation in terms of the dominant mode of communication, the way that people talk and communicate all the time, and that's where museums and all that kind of cultural information needs to be present to, so I think the app helps to accomplish that."
Laura Briscoe, TVDSB innovation coordinator tests out the app on June 15, 2021. (Brent Lale/CTV London)
Laura Briscoe, TVDSB innovation coordinator tests out the app on June 15, 2021. (Brent Lale/CTV London)
The Thames Valley District School board (TVDSB) has approved the use of the app on all devices.
"I feel like I'm living in the future, I just tested it out and saw a train, and then I look in real life and it's not there," says Laura Briscoe, TVDSB innovation coordinator.
"Over the years, and specifically this year, students are seeing connections with like, there's history, there's trades there's technology, math, literacy and the poppy mural with the history connections. What we're trying to do is find things that students care about, listen and hear what those ideas are and bring them to life so students have been able to connect. We want students engaged in learning because they're excited they're passionate about it and something beyond just getting good mark."
Users can download the app here with the St. Thomas specific version available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.