San Antonio-based Merge Announces New AR/VR Active Learning Platform, PD Services and Texas Resellers at TCEA 2019
SAN ANTONIO, February 4, 2019 - Merge announces a breakthrough AR/VR active learning platform, Windows 10 support for the Merge Cube, new education reseller relationships and an Ambassador Program at this week’s Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Convention & Exposition, one of the largest education technology conferences in the nation and the largest in Texas.
Merge will preview a new subscription-based active learning software platform designed to give teachers and students a single destination for AR objects and tools, VR experiences, and activity plans aligned to NGSS standards. Students will be able to import and upload models from popular 3D model libraries such as Microsoft Remix 3D or Google Poly, create their own via Paint 3D, or build and code in Tinkercad or CoSpaces Edu and convert them into AR objects that they can hold and share. A single sign-on feature will ensure convenience and portability as students can use the platform in the classroom, library, lab or makerspace. The platform will also enable students to scan real-world objects and convert them into virtual objects they can hold on the Merge Cube.
“The popularity of the Merge Cube in schools has led to educators asking us for more AR/VR tools and content and we are responding,” said Jeremy Kenisky, vice president of development at Merge. “We’ll be demonstrating a new AR/VR active learning platform that offers an exciting mix of objects, tools, content and activities for everyday use in lessons and Makerspace activities. This platform is part of our education strategy to develop AR/VR tools and content that are fun, easy to use and affordable.”
Merge is also announcing a staff development and training service to be delivered by author, speaker and former instructional technologist, Jaime Donally. Jaime’s team will provide fee-based PD services to schools and districts who purchase Merge products to accelerate adoption, use and classroom results.
“I’m a fan of Merge products because I’ve seen their impact in the classroom and Makerspace. I’m excited to be able to help teachers become confident in their ability to use Merge AR/VR products in the classroom to deepen student engagement, inspire creativity and drive learning outcomes. Our on-site training and development can be customized to meet the unique needs of each school or district.”
Merge will demo Windows 10 versions of several popular Merge Cube apps including Galactic Explorer, Mr. Body, AnatomyAR+, DIG!, Shapes and Object Viewer for Microsoft Surface devices. This latest effort to support Windows 10 and Surface is part of Merge’s recent collaboration with Microsoft and an ongoing commitment to offer educators more device options for using its award-winning AR/VR products.
Merge is also announcing expanded school support for its products by introducing two new Texas-based resellers, Maker Maven and JourneyEd. In addition to local reseller support, Merge is launching an Ambassador program featuring 50 educators that are using Merge products to transform learning. Texas educators are encouraged to join its Educator group (the largest on Facebook) to interact with Ambassadors and access the latest AR/VR best practices.
“We are excited to be one of the pioneering Merge resellers in Texas,” said J’aime Garcia, owner, Maker Maven. “We've been a leader in providing Maker and STEAM Education solutions to schools nationwide, and the addition of Merge AR/VR products will give our customers even more capability to transform student’s creations using tools such as CoSpaces Edu, Tinkercad and Paint 3D into virtual objects they can hold. This is a great option for schools without 3D printers and offers unique ways for students to design and create using augmented and virtual reality tools.”
The latest honors for the Merge Cube include being named as a Finalist for the 2018 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence to be announced while at the TCEA conference.
For more news and information about Merge, please visit www.mergeedu.com, and follow on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Visit Merge at booth #1635 to learn more about its new products, educator resources and resellers.
Editors' Note: To book a briefing with Merge during TCEA 2019, please contact Steve Patti at +1 214 693-3276 or steve.patti@mergevr.com.
ABOUT Merge
Founded in 2014, Merge develops award-winning augmented reality and virtual reality products for experiential learning and content creation. The company’s product ecosystem consists of Merge Cube, Merge Headset, Merge Miniverse content portal and Merge EDU active learning platform. Together, these products enable kids ages 10+ to interact with AR/VR content and experience the world around them in entirely new ways while giving teachers new tools to increase student engagement, intellectual curiosity and classroom achievement. The company’s AR/VR technology is being used in libraries, museums, universities, healthcare, environmental science, and other industries to enhance learning. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, USA, the company’s products are sold globally, including localized versions of many of its parent-approved apps on Merge Miniverse. To learn more, visit the company’s website.
