Robotics and Coding Level 2, DBN Contact Session 1: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Scratch Recap

The iTEACHlab at the MANCOSA School of Education in Durban facilitated a contact session for the Robotics and Coding Facilitators Course – Level 2. This session took place on Saturday, 04th March 2023 for the School of Education students. The session started with a recap of Scratch, which is a high-level block-based visual programming language and website used to create interactive stories, games, and animations. Additionally, the students were introduced to two new technologies that are revolutionizing the education sector – Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

AR is the utilization of real-time information in the form of text, graphics, audio, and other virtual enhancements that are integrated with real-world objects. During the session, the students had an opportunity to explore both marker-based and marker-less AR using the MANCOSA iTeach app on their smart devices.

On the other hand, VR is an artificial environment that comprises of computer-generated scenes and objects, giving users a sense of being immersed in their surroundings. This environment is perceived through a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or helmet. The students were fascinated to delve into the world of virtual reality through the VEER app, as well as using Oculus VR headsets.

For more information on the Robotics and Coding Facilitators Course for students, please contact Raeesa Ebrahim: raeesa.ebrahim@mancosa.co.za