McGraw Hill and Verizon Expand Capabilities of their Popular Free Augmented Reality App for K-12 Learning

NEW YORK (June 26, 2023) – McGraw Hill and Verizon today announced several exciting updates to their augmented reality (AR) mobile app: McGraw Hill AR. The free, award-winning app, originally launched in June of 2022, is getting updated with expanded subject offerings as well as a new collaborative feature to foster group learning, both in and out of the physical classroom setting. The McGraw Hill AR app offers short, three-to-five-minute interactive activities aimed at helping engage students in new and impactful ways. Corresponding professionally developed lesson plans are exclusively available to K-12 educators nationwide through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ: a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive extended reality (XR) educational experiences for K-12 students.

“Since the app’s launch last summer, it’s been amazing to see how it has fostered excitement and engagement in both students and teachers,” said Shawn Smith, Chief Innovation Officer for McGraw Hill’s School group. “As more educators and learners embrace AR and its benefits, we will continue enhancing the app’s offerings to improve the collaborative functions of the activities and make it available to more people than ever before.”

Social studies activities, which also cover ELA standards, are available now. The app will expand further this fall to include new science-related course offerings and math activities that build on the app’s original library of 10 math lessons.      

Additional updates coming to the McGraw Hill AR app this year include a new multi-language feature that will offer Spanish versions of the original 10 math lessons. Also coming are web versions of the original 10 lessons, enabling even more students to access the activities via Chromebooks and other laptops. A new group functionality for select lessons will enable collaborative learning for students in the classroom or learning remotely. Lastly, a spatial mapping activity will be released later this year offering an even more immersive AR experience for students and educators. Most activities are aimed at grades 6-12, with some appropriate for upper elementary grades as well.

The latest app updates will be unveiled in the McGraw Hill booth between June 25-28 at the ISTE Live conference hosted by the International Society for Technology in Education in Philadelphia, PA.

“At Verizon, we are committed to providing equitable access to technology and the tools required to develop digital skills,” said Alex Servello, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Verizon. “With McGraw Hill AR’s device agnostic and multi-language activities in diverse subject areas, even more educators and students will be able to leverage immersive tech in the classroom. We are thrilled to continue partnering with McGraw Hill to offer free, high-quality learning experiences through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.”