2.3: Examples of VR Applications for Classroom Use
Now that we’ve covered the bases for evaluating an app, let’s take a look at some popular educational VR apps and online tools.
Google Expeditions
Google Expeditions allows users to go on virtual field trips by utilizing 360-degree photos that give the impression of actually being at the location. Users can access over 900 VR expeditions in the Google Expeditions app to explore a variety of environments, such as the 7 Wonders of the World, the North Pole, the Great Barrier Reef, and the inside of the human body.
Price: Free
VR headset: Works with most headsets
Operating system: iOS and Android
Google Tour Creator
Google Tour Creator allows users to create virtual tours of any building or environment by using 360-degree photos. These photos can either be uploaded by users or found using Google Street View. App users can also view tours that others have made, which allows students the chance to tour a variety of locations. This app builds upon Google Expedition by allowing users to compile a tour of multiple Google Expeditions, add notes, audio files, and icons to highlight points of interest.
Price: Free
VR headset: Works with most headsets
Operating system: iOS and Android
Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts & Culture allows users to tour virtual environments, but gives added utility, particularly with tour interactions. Arts & Culture has tours of a variety of different museums across the world, which allows users to place themselves in the museums, and move around the space at their own pace, zooming in and out of exhibits. Users can also view 360-degree videos.
Price: Free
VR headset: Works with most headsets
Operating system: iOS and Android
Tilt Brush by Google
Tilt Brush allows users to create 3D art by giving them a virtual canvas to work on. While Tilt Brush is primarily used for creating art, the modeling toolkit can be applied to a wide variety of lesson plans and subjects.
Price: $20
VR headset: Vive, Oculus, and Windows Mixed Reality
Operating system: Not available on mobile devices, computer software can be purchased in a variety of locations.
Discovery VR (360 Degree Videos – YouTube Channel)
Discovery offers an entire playlist of 360 degree videos that allow users to explore a variety environments around the world, such as the mountains in Congo, woods filled with wolves, shark-infested waters, or plains with wild horses.
Price: Free
VR headset: Available on a variety of headsets including Google Cardboard, Daydream, Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.
Operating system: iOS and Android
Activity: Enriching Learning with VR
Activity Objective: Create a VR learning experience for your students.
Directions:
- Brainstorm three different curriculum standards or learning objectives you could meet using one of the apps listed on this page (Google Expeditions, Google Tour Creator, Google Arts & Culture, Tilt Brush, or Discovery VR).
- Then, create a learning experience (e.g., activity, lesson, station, online tutorial) that incorporates one of these apps.
- Share a description of your learning experience on Twitter using the hashtags #ARVR3D and #ARVRinEDU.