In class, we took a virtual tour using Google's app, Google Expeditions. It is a fascinating little app where you can use your smartphone along with a cardboard VR lens holder to explore sites. I chose World War II's Normandy invasions as my destination. Students can see the beaches of Normandy where you can still see evidence of the Allied invasions which took place on June 6, 1944.
I then created a Quizlet to allow students to test their ability to recall information that they gathered from their exploration. This offers the student the opportunity to "virtually" stand on an historical site without having to incur the expense of actually traveling to Normandy, France. It is advantageous to allow students to look around and see how enormous the battlefield was to give them scope and scale where mere photographs can only offer vignettes of the battle. They can see the enormous obstacles the soldiers who fought and died on those beaches had to endure and overcome. Google Expeditions is far more immersive to the learner than flat 2D textbooks and photos.
This little app is convenient and the cardboard glasses are very inexpensive, but the benefits for students, teachers, and virtually anyone who just likes to see or explore new things are endless. This is a must have app for any classroom. If you do not use this app yet, then take the time to check it out. You will be so impressed and quickly imagine the possibilities for your classes as I did.
I then created a Quizlet to allow students to test their ability to recall information that they gathered from their exploration. This offers the student the opportunity to "virtually" stand on an historical site without having to incur the expense of actually traveling to Normandy, France. It is advantageous to allow students to look around and see how enormous the battlefield was to give them scope and scale where mere photographs can only offer vignettes of the battle. They can see the enormous obstacles the soldiers who fought and died on those beaches had to endure and overcome. Google Expeditions is far more immersive to the learner than flat 2D textbooks and photos.
This little app is convenient and the cardboard glasses are very inexpensive, but the benefits for students, teachers, and virtually anyone who just likes to see or explore new things are endless. This is a must have app for any classroom. If you do not use this app yet, then take the time to check it out. You will be so impressed and quickly imagine the possibilities for your classes as I did.
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