Innovation Takes Center Stage in Atlanta Public Schools

Augmented reality (AR) and other innovative technology has been generating excitement in K-12 education, and Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is a shining example of effective implementation. Through partnerships like the Verizon Innovative Learning Labs program—and with tools like Merge EDU and the Merge Cube—APS’s Digital Learning team is helping transform science and STEM district-wide. In this interview, APS shares about giving their students access to firsthand experiences with Merge, the “wow factor” of AR, and how it all ties into next-generation learning environments.

Bringing Textbooks to Life with Augmented Reality

“When we talk about augmented reality, it’s the idea of bringing something like this cube representing something into our real world. […] You might not really understand the relationship from the planet to the sun and the distance and all that. But if I can see it and I can turn it and I can manipulate it, I can make predictions, I can make discoveries that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to do just on a piece of paper.” - Jen Hall, Digital Learning Specialist | Atlanta Public Schools

One of the biggest appeals of augmented reality is turning flat images into interactive models. Jen Hall notes how a Merge Cube can project entire solar systems into a student’s hand. By physically rotating and examining these digital objects, students not only see—they also “experience” scientific phenomena more concretely.

The Role of Verizon Innovative Learning Labs

In addition to integrating AR tools like the Merge Cube, APS has benefited from Verizon Innovative Learning Labs—a program aimed at bringing the latest technology and connectivity to schools across the country. These labs give students and teachers access to devices, resources, and reliable internet, paving the way for immersive learning.

Merge EDU featured at the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab

South Florida Students Impressed, Inspired by High Tech Learning Lab

Merge EDUMerge EDU

“We have so much digital content at our fingertips now. It’s exciting to have resources that can level up that instruction. By being part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Labs, we can make sure our students aren’t just passive consumers. They’re explorers.”- Dr. Nicole Walker-Adell
Associate Director of Student Impact | Digital Promise

This extra layer of support has been vital for bridging the digital divide, ensuring that all students—not just those with the latest devices at home—can engage with AR experiences like those offered by Merge EDU.

Early Adopters vs. the “Tried-and-True” Crowd

“With any technology, we have teachers who are eager—they’re the first early adopters. They jump right in, they’re like, ‘What’s the new-new? I want everything that can help my students.’ And then we have other teachers that are like, ‘Hey, I’ve been doing it this way for years. I don’t need anything new. I know what I’m doing.’”

As the Jen explains, teacher enthusiasm ranges from the trailblazers to the skeptics. The district’s approach to training and professional development is key here, especially with the added resources Verizon Innovative Learning Labs provides. By showcasing small, high-impact lessons—such as an AR exploration of Earth’s layers or the human skeletal system—they quickly demonstrate the power of AR without overwhelming teachers.

“My goal is to showcase tools to a wider audience so they see ‘This is something I can use. It’s to enhance instruction, not replace it.’ Once they see the wow factor, the engagement for students, then they’re hooked.” - Jen Hall, Digital Learning Specialist | Atlanta Public Schools

The “Wow Factor” and Lasting Retention

“It’s not just about the wow—though that’s part of it—it’s the retention piece. Students are going to remember that experience where they were holding the solar system in their hand and turning it around. It’s multimodal engagement versus just a video or just looking at it in a textbook. It’s bringing it to life.” - Dr. Nicole Walker-Adell Associate Director of Student Impact | Digital Promise

Tips for Other Districts

1. Start with a Small Win: Pick a single unit or lesson (e.g., the water cycle or skeletal system) to demonstrate AR’s potential without overwhelming staff.
2. Use Verizon Innovative Learning Labs Resources: If your school is part of the program, leverage its professional development sessions, device loans, and reliable connectivity to make your AR rollout smoother.
3. Foster Collaboration: Encourage tech-savvy teachers (the “early adopters”) to mentor hesitant colleagues, sharing lesson plans and classroom success stories.
4. Focus on Enhancing, Not Replacing: Remind educators that AR is an additional layer of engagement—not a substitute for other hands-on projects or direct instruction.
5. Celebrate Milestones: Highlight classes using AR successfully. Post photos or short videos on internal channels to showcase how students engage with the technology.

Looking Ahead

“I’ve been in education for a very long time, and I couldn’t have imagined having a tool like this that allows students to engage in content in such a powerful and engaging way.” - Jen Hall, Digital Learning Specialist | Atlanta Public Schools

From solar systems in a student’s hand to exploring molecular structures, APS’s journey with augmented reality underscores how technology, when properly supported, can drive deeper understanding and excitement in the classroom. Thanks to the Verizon Innovative Learning Labs, this once-futuristic concept is now a reality for students who, decades ago, could only dream of holding a galaxy in the palm of their hand.

As more schools follow suit, augmented reality has the potential to reshape how students everywhere learn, explore, and connect with the world around them. With the support of initiatives like Verizon Innovative Learning Labs and tools like Merge EDU, the future of hands-on, interactive learning is here—and it’s far brighter and more engaging than ever before.