Virtual Reality in the Classroom
I like the description of Virtual Reality as a 21st Century version of the old Hasbro Viewmaster slides that I remember from growing up. At least, that's how I can relate them to people my age. There is much more to it in the modern version though.I've had a chance to test out the Google Cardboard, the entry level of a wide range of virtual reality experiences that students can take on in the classroom. I bought 3 of them from Knoxlabs to use at home and share with my colleagues for less than $10 each. They provide an immersive, engaging experience for students, although only one at a time and for a short experience. Depending how they are used, they can have a place for classroom use.
My favorite application so far is Google Street View, which is available on the iTunes and Android Stores. With it, the view can experience an immersive experience anywhere in the world that is pictured within Google Maps. At this point, this includes much of the world. Don't expect to tour North Korea or maybe the family farm you grew up on, but it is really good.
Other applications include:
NYT VR allows the user to experience the biggest world news events in an immersive envrionment. Free is also the best price here. This would be very worthwhile with current events lessons.
Do you want to check out videos in VR? Check out VRSE. It will really blow your mind.
VR Cities - tours from around the world
ABC News VR -
Timelooper - this is close to a downloadable time machine. each experience is a separate download.
YouVisit - this is the education component of the application
Guggenheim Museum VR
Wild Eyes
Recall what I mentioned earlier about the Hasbro Viewmaster? It's still around, although it joined the 21st Century, too, as it is also a Virtual Reality viewer.
If you get queasy at 3D movies or the big iMax theatres, you may have a little trouble with VR. It does take a little to get used to.
Are you looking to go for high-end VR? You can try out an Oculus Rift or read this review for a list of others.
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Side notes:
Jump on the VR bandwagon! EdTechnocation has a blog to get you down the road.
Google Expeditions is frequently mentioned as a program to go after for VR in education curriculum. Been there, tried that - they have been overwhelmed with requests and don't appear to have any plans to come to Iowa in the near future. We can try again later.
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Components of this blog taken from
Reality revisited: Getting started with virtual reality in your classroom
by Mareen Yoder 4/6/16
Virtual reality in the classroom just got affordable
by Mareen Yoder 11/27/15
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