Google has launched an innovative program that allows students to explore and learn about historical places in the comfort of their classrooms, taking learning to a whole new virtual level.
Google Expeditions lets users go on a virtual trip, even to places not usually accessible, such as The Great Wall of China or Mars. Google, in collaboration with teachers and content partners, designed more than 100 immersive journeys. The company wants to take curious-minded students to places they might have never even thought of going to.
The only problem with Google Expeditions is that students need smartphones, but Google isn't planning on letting it hold its project back. The company is carrying out its Expeditions Pioneer Program where Google representatives will bring kits to classrooms so every student can use Expeditions.
"Honestly, we haven't gotten that far yet. Classrooms are unique environments, especially when it comes to putting technology in them. The idea is to take the tech into the classrooms, help teachers get their head around it and learn more about what we can do with it," says Ben Schrom, product manager for Expeditions.
The kit includes ASUS smartphones, Google Cardboards, a tablet for the teacher and a special router. The ASUS smartphones used with Google Cardboards make up the Expeditions headset and will let students enjoy Expeditions. With the tablet, teachers will be able to guide students in their virtual-reality tours using the tablet. The router will let Expeditions run even without an Internet connection.
For no cost at all, Google will visit schools all over the world to help incorporate the virtual reality program into the classroom. So far, the company extended the program to the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and the United Kingdom for its pilot project.
Expeditions, however, will not be free forever, and the schools will not be able to keep the virtual-reality kits.
"I would certainly see a scenario where we sell these kits to schools. It depends on how successful we are at driving the costs down to an accessible place," Schrom says.
Google Expeditions offers limitless opportunities for students to learn, as they will be able to see the places where historical events happened, not to mention that the virtual-reality addition will certainly enrich schoolchildren's education.
This is not the first time that Google supported schools. Google introduced Classroom in 2014, assisting teachers in communicating with students.
Though the technology that Expeditions offers is not entirely new, as Microsoft's Skype has already been used in a similar way, Google makes a mark with its immersive virtual field trips.
Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr
