Imagine, trying to learn about South America but not having seen anything about it. Is it easier to understand the culture and the context if you have visited? Sure you have pictures and you can use videos from the internet, but what if you could take your students there virtually?
With Google Cardboard this is possible. The device looks like the Viewmaster toys from old, but you use a phone with free downloaded apps as your "round picture disc." The Google Cardboard blinds out everything else to the world around them. With great visual images and videos, the students feel transported because they are not only see straight ahead but they can also turn around and look up and down.
I recently worked with a High School World Geography teacher to introduce their unit on South America by "taking" them there. Using the You Visit app, the students were able to visit ancient ruins of Machu Pichu, go the village fresh food markets in Brazil, and go to the major cities of South American countries. Their excitement was contagious!
This activity didn't teach the lesson but it did engage the students. They were excited to learn more and they had more of a foundation for the lessons they were about to learn. From this activity, there are a number of ways for students to reflect. It could be that they reflect on what they have viewed, either in an informational, that will help them to think about what they have seen.
Your question might be, "How can I use this in my classroom?" Google Cardboard is literally made out of cardboard. You can print the instructions for free and using an Exacto knife to create your own. Amazon has them for around $4 - 10. If you want something a little more sturdy, Amazon also has Google Cardboard options in plastic for around $10-25. You can use your personal phone or an old phone, wiped free of any information, but that has WiFi capability and a few Google Cardboard apps downloaded. If you want a few that are helpful for various subjects click on this link for specific examples. The Arts, Social Studies courses, English, Sciences, and even Math can benefit greatly from the apps that are available.
Google Expeditions is another app to consider and this video provides ways that you can use this with multiple grade levels.
When it comes to Personalized Learning, how can using Google Cardboard help you engage your students? Can you think of a lesson that you could try using Google Cardboard? How would you have the students reflect about the experience?
If you haven't viewed this Thinglink, we have provided a number of resources for you consider for each of the five tenants. https://www.thinglink.com/scene/687372589496008706
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