Google Cardboard

I received my first virtual reality view today, otherwise known as Google Cardboard! I must say, the entire office has been ecstatic over this piece of cardboard all day! 

If you didn't know, Google Cardboard is an app that works along with the virtual reality viewer you see above. This experience lets the user feel that they are in the picture or video themselves. The pictures and/or videos have a 360 degree turn radius, giving the user an all-around amazing experience (no pun intended). It is truly incredible. 

How do you get started?
Easy - order the Google Cardboard viewer. This can be found on Amazon for around $11. Then download the Google Cardboard app on your phone (ios or Android.) You are up and going in no time at all.

I soon realized that there are other apps out there for use with this viewer.  Here is a quick break down of what I have found so far:


 Google Cardboard: Has a few different options. You can view exhibits such as the Endeavor space shuttle, a dinosaur museum, etc. You can view places such as Paris, Venice, Jerusalem, etc. It also has a kaleidoscope feature that is pretty sweet.

Discovery VR: Provides real life videos in a 360 degree view. The viewer can see elephants, lions, etc. I found this much more interesting than the regular Google Cardboard app. The sounds with the video provided an experience that was as close to real life as possible. 

Air Racer VR: Nice app, not much to it. You fly around in an airplane. I don't like that the user doesn't control the airplane. The user must turn their head in order to align with the plane. It would be fun for kids.

Jurassic Dinosaur VR: Interesting app. You are able to walk around in a valley around dinosaurs. This would be amazing for younger kids. Again, not much to it.

Google Street View: You can look at any street view that is available within Google Earth in a split screen with the 360 view. Think of all the places you can visit in the world! 


It's cool and all... but how would I use it for instruction?

Here are a few ideas....

ELA

• Writing prompts
• Narrative writing
• Descriptive writing
• Compare and contrast (multiple places)
• Use in a vocabulary lesson (using "better" words
• Describe and use figurative languge
• Precise words
• Sensory details

Math

• Logical reasoning
• 3D shapes (cubes, rectangular prisms, etc.)
• Estimation

Science

• Expeditions into different climates and/or environments
• Observations
• Viewing parts of the body (apps for that... I didn't review.) 
• ​Animal habitats

Social Studies

• Virtual field trips to anywhere in the world
• See different cultures