Merge Object Viewer Wins Best App for Teaching & Learning 2019
WASHINGTON DC, June 22, 2019 – Merge has been awarded an American Association of School Librarians award for Best App for Teaching & Learning at the Americal Library Association Annual Conference.
The Object Viewer app converts 3D models and designs into virtual objects you can hold on the Merge Cube. This includes models created in popular education tools like Paint 3D and Tinkercad. Teachers can also import 3D models from third party object libraries like Remix 3D or Google Poly and convert them into virtual objects to help students visualize complex concepts in the classroom or lab. The app is free for use with the award-winning Merge Cube and has been a favorite with teachers and librarians since its introduction in 2018.
New for 2019 is a premium version of Object Viewer that is now available for schools that subscribe to the Merge EDU software platform. Premium features include grouping objects into collections for public/private viewing and sharing as well as the ability to annotate and tag objects. Additional teacher controls are also available for managing object creation and storage.
“Every year, the American Association of School Librarians Best Apps Committee evaluates dozens of apps from nominations around the country to develop an annual list of top apps that AASL will recognize as being the best for teaching and learning. We connect our selections to the AASL Shared Foundations of Explore, Engage, Include, Collaborate, Curate and Inquire,” said Shannon McClintock-Miller, District Teacher Librarian at Van Meter Community School and Future Ready Librarian spokesperson. “When we evaluated Object Viewer from Merge, this app stood out because of the way it allows students to convert their 3D models into augmented reality (virtual) objects they can hold and preview on the Merge Cube. This provides students with a new medium for creation and can even be used for preview prior to 3D printing to ensure accuracy. Teachers can use Object Viewer to convert 3D models from popular libraries such as Google Poly and Remix 3D into virtual objects to illustrate complex topics and bring lesson plans to life. I can't wait for everyone to give it a try!”
“We are grateful to the AASL for recognizing our Object Viewer app and our commitment to educators,” said Steve Patti, head of marketing and strategic partnerships at Merge. “We work closely with teachers and librarians to equip them with the 21st Century tools they need for 21st Century learning and skill development in the classroom, lab, library, and Makerspace.”
Earlier this year, Merge announced a program making available its award-winning AR/VR headsets to school and public libraries for check out. Because Merge Headsets are powered by smartphones they are perfect for school BYOD strategies and at-home use. School libraries in Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, and California are participating in the program, as are public libraries Utah, Ohio and the Broward County Public Library.
For more news and information about Merge, please visit www.mergeedu.com, and follow Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
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.
