Outside 3D, an education Augmented Reality [AR] app, has launched to bring immersive learning to the mobile phone, beyond the four walls of a classroom.
Outside 3D team has worked with teachers and education professionals to develop rich, engaging content around subject matters ranging from science and technology, music, art, history and space exploration allowing users to come face-to-face with for example, an Angler Fish, and discover details such as their nickname being “Sea Devils”.
Speaking on building the school of the future, founder and CEO, Toro Orero says, “Most young people love learning but don’t necessarily like the process of education in its current or traditional form. That is why we have created Outside 3D. We believe that knowledge should be experienced and not seen as a chore. Experiential learning is one of the most powerful ways to learn, and Outside 3D brings this power to you by helping you experience what you learn.”
In the current climate, where millions of young learners around the world have been forced out of the classroom due to COVID-19 and both teachers and parents are moving online to ensure continuity of education, technology continues to be adopted as a primary resource for learning remotely. Apps like Outside 3D are well positioned to complement the existing learning processes, through AR, putting the power of knowledge acquisition quite literally in the palm of users’ hands.
Orero, a Nigerian entrepreneur who was once CEO of Zone Tech Park and Managing Partner of DDF Capital, a Silicon Valley seed fund for African startups says the app available on Android and iOS, and app combines simplified explanations of subject matters with incredible live animations, high-quality audio narrations, interesting fun facts, and background soundtracks curated and programmed for each individual subject in augmented reality.
The app comes with a selection of AR content that can be enjoyed for free and for a monthly subscription of $1.99 per month, users can get unlimited access to all content, categories, games, new weekly content and more.
Learning about the piano, the human spinal cord or the moon has never been so simple; using a smartphone, tap the category or subject in the app, find and scan a flat surface to place the experience, to open up the immersive experience, where users can start learning. In the sports section, they’ll find out that footballer Christian Ronaldo can jump higher than any basketball player in the NBA [whilst watching him do keepy uppies on the dining room table]. And did you know that some asteroids have their own moons? Users will find out whilst having one rotate on the coffee table.
Outside 3D is innovating in the ever-growing global e-learning market, currently set at $190 billion and expected to grow to $300 billion by 2025. According to a recent study, augmented reality increases general engagement and long term memory retention. Experiential learning is also regarded as one of the most powerful and efficient ways to learn. As part of the launch, the Outside team has built an Augmented Reality game within the app where subscribers can participate in an exciting treasure hunt in a virtual city and win prizes. In addition to the consumer-facing app, Outside 3D is also working with individuals, schools or organizations to develop white label AR immersive content for providing personalized
Orero started his career as a game, animation and software designer and developer and understands how gaming is important for learning.
“Education and the learning process has always been a passion of mine and with Outside 3D, I’m combining this with my love of technology and product building. With the current global pandemic situation, now is a good time for education providers and parents to explore and adopt new ways of keeping young people engaged and hungry to know more about the world in which they live,” he concluded.