Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Google Expeditions

What is Google Expeditions? 
Google Expeditions is a virtual reality app made for education.  This app allows teachers to take their class on amazing and far away virtual filed trips.  Without the use of this virtual app students otherwise would not get to visit these places around the world, such as, diving into the ocean to look at coral reef. Each expedition consist of several 360 degree images accompanied by descriptions and discussion questions.  This app can be downloaded for free on both Android and Apple software.

How Google Expeditions Works
The Google Expeditions app itself is very easy to use.  To begin you simply just need to download the app onto the technology device you are wanting to use.  For the experience to work best it is recommended that each student have a device to view the expedition on.  The virtual field trips are not meant for students to do alone and randomly wonder around an area.  Instead, teachers are supposed to lead whole class field trips.  To do this, the teacher will use their iPad to begin the expedition.  Students in the class can join the teachers expedition as long as they are on the same wifi network.  Teachers should launch the expedition and wait for their students to join.  Once the teacher sees the correct number of participants they can click start to being the field trip.  On the teachers screen there is talking points, discussion questions, and areas of interest to point out during the expedition. Teachers can choose from over 200 expeditions, so it is likely there will be something to relate to every unit.  If you need additional help setting up for your first expedition click here to watch a short video.

Advantages
There are many advantages for integrating Google Expeditions into your classroom lessons.  First, virtual reality is only going to become more commonly used in the classroom as technology continues to grow.  Second, this app allows students to see and learn about places they may otherwise never get to see in real life.  This type of hands on learning is far more beneficial than just reading a chapter in a text book.  At home, students use technology all the time on their iPads and video games.  Integrating that same technology in the classroom will help keep students more engaged during class.

Disadvantages 
The biggest disadvantage to using Google Expeditions is the cost.  To use the app as intended each student in the class needs a smart device.  Also for an enhanced expereince each student needs a VR headset.  The actual Google Expeditions kit cost anywhere from $4000 dollars and up.  Instead you could get Google Cardboard Googles for around $5 dollars per student that could work as well, but this is still costly when teachers and schools have tight budgets.

Personal Experience 
I personally have never used Google Expeditions before.  I have also never seen it used in any of the schools I have been placed in.  This is most likely because the cost is so high.  However, I have heard it mentioned by professors in the education department and other peers in my classes.  I would love to witness firsthand students getting to use this app and the excitement that crosses their faces when they are able to make connections with what they are learning and the real world.

References 
Bring your lessons to life with Expeditions | Google for Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://edu.google.com/products/vr-ar/expeditions/?modal_active=none

4 Easy Steps to Start Google Expeditions in the Classroom. (2019, January 22). Retrieved from https://www.edtechteam.com/blog/2016/07/4-easy-steps-to-start-google/

/home/runcloud/webapps/encounteredu-Production/modules/encounteredu. (n.d.). How to use Google Expeditions. Retrieved from https://encounteredu.com/cpd/subject-updates/how-to-use-google-expeditions

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