Have you tried Google Cardboard in your classroom? This super inexpensive (under $10!) tool lets students explore virtual reality straight from your classroom. I’m a huge fan of Google Cardboard virtual reality experiences. You can take your students on virtual field trips, help them understand life in different parts of the world, and push students to ask questions about the world around them.
When virtual reality first came on the stage a few years ago it seemed like the cost would make it impossible for teachers to use it as a learning tool. The combination of a Google Cardboard viewer and a mobile device make this the perfect choice for classroom teachers. The handful of quality apps mentioned below are great choices for teachers looking to combine the super inexpensive! Google Cardboard with apps developed for both iPhones and Android devices.
Here are five apps to use with Google Cardboard!
YouVisit takes students on virtual college tours. A virtual reality college tour is a great choice for students who might not be able to visit the number of colleges they plan on applying to in the future. Whether the cost of traveling to different spots in the country is prohibitive or the scheduling of multiple visits is just not feasible, YouVisit is a great resource for students.
Nearpod is a super cool presentation tool. Nearpod has now added a virtual reality component to their engaging lessons. With Nearpod VR, students can experience the world through virtual field trips to faraway places.
Thinglink is another favorite online tool. It now has virtual reality lessons that you can access from the mobile app. With Thinglink’s VR experience students can transport to ecosystems around the world.
New York Times VR is an easy to use app with dynamic content. The totally free NYT VR app for iOS and Android devices let viewers experience the sights and sounds of places around the world.
Discovery Channel VR is another awesome virtual reality tool. The folks at the Discovery Channel have loaded this app with lots of great content. There are adventure experiences like deep sea diving and mountain biking and the opportunity to see endangered species in action. If you or your students are fans of Discovery Channel programming you’ll love the content from shows like MythBusters and Survirorman.
Have you used Google Cardboard in your classroom? Share your experiences in the comments section below!
