Google Cardboard and smartphone-based VR as an inexpensive classroom VR setup¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article describes Google Cardboard-style headsets, which resemble goggles and attach to a smartphone to become a VR headset enabling students to experience far-away places as if they were actually at the site. Although NMC figures list headsets starting around ten dollars and VR units from $300-$999, the article notes teachers would not have to spend hundreds of dollars: a VR field trip can be produced with a mobile phone and a Google Cardboard headset, and Google made Cardboard open source so other manufacturers can mass produce headsets at low prices.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A VR tour requires 360-degree viewing so the wearer can look around the scene; content must be compatible with the headset, such as YouTube VR video with Google Cardboard.

Constraints¶

• The article cautions that inappropriate material may cause safety concerns if the product is not monitored.

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students in classrooms with mobile devices

Target Learning Goals¶

• Experiential exposure to places and concepts related to literacy content

Claims¶

Related Elements¶

• Google Expeditions Pioneer Program: free virtual field trip kits for schools
• Curated list of VR websites and apps for classroom literacy use (Table 1)

Examples¶

• Teachers and students create their own 360-degree VR content using free apps like Google Street View

Key Sources¶

• Pilgrim, J. M., & Pilgrim, J. (2016). The use of virtual reality tools in the reading-language arts classroom. Texas Journal of Literacy Education, 4(2). https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2374-7404