Google expeditions is a great way for students to visit locations around the world. Unfortunately, the kits can be expensive. A great less expensive alternative is to purchase a couple Google Cardboard viewers or any other virtual reality headset and use the free Google Street View app. (iOS and Android versions available).
While you can't control the locations, you are still providing a unique and rich experience for the students. And for a lot less money.
Follow these steps to create a virtual reality field trip:
- Using a cell phone, open up the Google Street View app
- Search for a location
- Click on one of the blue circles around the selected location
- Click cardboard icon on the top right of the image
- Place the device in the headset
- Put the headset up to your eyes and turn around 360 degrees to enjoy the location as you are there.
While you can not currently create your own Google Expeditions, you can create a 360° photo using the Google Street View app. This same app also allows you to view the photo using the Google cardboard. So while the teacher can not control the students experience, they can provide a experience to the students.
There are already a ton of 360° photos in the app, so creation might not be necessary.
Create 360 Photos with Google Street View App
- Download the Android App or iOS App
- Steps to Create a 360° Photo
- Steps to Publish a 360° Photo
- Steps to Share, Transfer, or Embed 360° Photos
- Steps to Blur or Remove a 360° Photo
Use Google Street View App with Google Cardboard
There is a mini cardboard icon on the top right corner of the street view image. Click on the icon, place the device in the cardboard and enjoy the experience.
Integration ideas:
- Have students create the 360° photo to showcase various concepts (science, math)
- Create the 360° photos while visiting locations to share new cultures, surroundings, etc.
