School creates military history app
Comet Bay College, which is just south of Perth, has created a military history extended reality app. ANZAC XR is a free, highly engaging and interactive app which uses the latest augmented reality (AR) technology to transport users to historical locations of military significance. It’s a way to get up close and personal with Australian heroes, military vehicles and equipment.
Developed by Viewport XR and funded thanks to a Saluting their Service grant from DVA, ANZAC XR is a great tool for the classroom or for anyone interested in Australian military history.
Comet Bay College principal Kelly Bennett said she was thrilled the school was given the opportunity to develop the app.
‘The augmented reality military vehicles and equipment can be viewed either miniature or life-sized, giving users a 360-degree immersive experience to further enhance their understanding of military history and experiences,’ she said.
‘The software will allow us to add more characters, features and content down the track, ensuring the app is an unlimited educational resource.’
ANZAC XR has five main features:
- AR Heroes who share their stories of service in a life-like 3D animation, with interactive features, including the ability for app users to take photos with the avatars
- AR Vehicles, Uniforms and Equipment which can be seen either miniature or life-sized
- AR Portals which give a 360-degree immersive experience of locations relevant to military history
- The Gallery of Honour includes AR portraits of veterans, some with video interviews
- a Notifications function acknowledging significant military dates in Australia’s history.
Comet Bay College Year 10 student Vaanya Agarwal had a sneak peak at the app prior to its launch on Anzac Day and said she was impressed by the clarity and detail in the AR technology.
‘I’m really looking forward to exploring the app more,’ she said. ‘I think it has a lot of really interesting features.’
Comet Bay College Humanities staff have created lesson plans to complement ANZAC XR, which will be shared with all schools in Australia.
ANZAC XR can be downloaded Australia-wide for free on the Apple and Google Play platforms.
Comet Bay College thanks its many supporters and volunteers, including the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Air Force, the WA Maritime Museum, the Army Museum of Western Australia and the Aviation Heritage Museum.
For further enquiries, please contact Comet Bay College Public Relations and Marketing Officer Narelle Whittaker on 9553 8176 or at narelle.whittaker [at] education.wa.edu.au (narelle[dot]whittaker[at]education[dot]wa[dot]edu[dot]au)
Comet Bay College students Max Pereira, 14, and Amy Howard, 15, explore the new ANZAC XR app, while teacher Tara Holmes guides Ruby Jamieson, 15, Liam Killeen, 15, and Vaanya Agarwal, 14, through the AR portals.
