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Going Google, Part 4

When I was younger, I remember having many opportunities for enrichment outside of my school classroom. I remember field trips being so much fun. When I was at ISTE a little over a month ago, I remember learning about Google Cardboard. I had heard about it before, but never fully investigated it. Sometimes it takes me a little longer to jump onboard with new tech channels and apps because there are so many I already love so much. But today on the blog, I'm talking about Google Cardboard. I'm no expert yet, so this introduction to this Google feature will be very basic.

First of, Google Cardboard brings teachers and students immersive experiences. It does cost, but it's relatively affordable. Viewers can be bought here. There are many viewers to choose from that bring virtual reality to your classroom. Along with the viewer, you also need the Google Cardboard app on your phone. After you have the viewer, you can go to the Google Play store and choose from a variety of apps. Cardboard Camera is free and allows you to not only take  pictures, but share them. These virtual reality photos allow you to experience things in 3D. Virtual reality of course is nothing new; I wrote one of my term papers my freshman year of college on virtual classrooms. After taking the photos with Cardboard Camera, you just put your phone in your Google Cardboard viewer. I also love listening to music on YouTube while I'm working. With Google Cardboard, students can watch music videos with Cardboard as if they are right at the concert.

You might be asking yourself, "This sounds cool but how can I use it in my classroom?" While I consider my teaching strengths Language Arts and Reading, I can see myself having students watch videos with it or look at pictures in 3D and then having them write about the experience. With the Discovery Channel Cardboard app, students can explore a huge collection of educational opportunities. One such opportunity I heard about was a teacher exploring the inside of an energy efficient car. In social studies, I can see students taking virtual field trips to a place  of their choosing. The Google Expeditions app is great for this. Teachers can also control the view students have in the cardboard viewer.

I also learned recently that Google Cardboard can be great for those students interested in programming.  With Cardboard Design Lab, students can design their own virtual reality experiences. There is also the VR Roller Coaster app where students can explore roller coasters and learn about the forces behind them. I love this, because I used to love playing my older brother's Roller Coaster Tycoon game when we were younger. It was his, but often I'd try to convince him to let me play as well.

I still have so much to learn about Google Cardboard but I think it's very exciting. I remember my students from my year student teaching second grade loving augmented reality and this takes it up a level. How might you use Google Cardboard in your classroom.

Happy exploring!

-Elle

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