Case Study: University of Maine Farmington transforms literacy instruction with Google for Education AR and VR

University of Maine student teachers bring lessons to life with AR & VR

The University of Maine at Farmington, a rural teacher-preparation college, wanted to help pre-service K-8 educators make literacy instruction more engaging and student-centered while showing them how accessible technology could support classroom learning. Working with Google for Education, the university introduced Google Cardboard, Google Cardboard Camera, Google Expeditions, and Tour Creator to explore AR and VR as teaching tools.

Google for Education helped UMF students design immersive lesson ideas tied to children’s literature, including 360° images, virtual field trips, and custom VR tours based on local environments. The project was well received at an open symposium and later shared with in-service educators at a state conference, with positive engagement from faculty and the broader education community as an indicator of success.

University of Maine Farmington

Meredith Swallow

Assistant Professor