Feb. 23, 2023 -- Students at Boulevard Elementary School have a whole new way to learn and it’s more fun than ever. The newly installed Lü Interactive Playground is an audiovisual gaming system that projects onto the wall of the gym and can be used for everything from math and spelling games to learning dance moves.
Students can throw balls at the correct answer to a math equation or move a ship across a map to visit specific destinations in the Voyager game. Because there is no screen, the system requires no specialized equipment and can respond to touch or even shadows on the wall. Each teacher can use their own log-in to incorporate their spelling words or math lessons.
The Lü is installed in the school gym and has become a coveted station during physical education classes. P.E. teacher John Laskarides says the students “have gone absolutely bonkers over it. It’s a great tool for them to practice skills in a fun, exciting manner!”
Sabrina Green uses it regularly with Boulevard Blast, the 21st Century grant-funded after-school program that incorporates academic skills into engaging activities and field trips. “It’s really about making learning cool,” said Ms. Green of Boulevard Blast. And the Lü system definitely helps do that. “The kids can’t wait to get on it.”
Fiona Connor is using the system with two special education classes of students with multiple disabilities, noting that the lights and imagery have really captured their attention. “They love the dance app and have been following the model without any of the self-consciousness that comes from just mirroring me or making up their own moves.”
She also reports that the football app has helped them conceptualize the difference between offense and defense, a concept they previously struggled to understand.
All of the apps can be personalized to target specific skills, whether physical skills of gym class or academic skills. Because it’s a giant projector, it can also be used for staff meetings, assemblies or school wide events. At the recent Snowball Dance, the screen projected a light show and will be used in the future in place of a DJ.
“We haven’t even touched all we can do with this yet, “said Ms. Green.
