How cool would it be to witness a hurricane or explore the ocean? Imagine being able to do all of this right inside your classroom! Yes, ideally we take kids all over the world to teach them because a concrete experience is the most meaningful way to learn concepts, but Google Expedition is the most realistic way for this to happen. We can show kids from all different social statuses, places all over the world essentially.
Technology has evolved over time and can be a tool for us teachers to use when introducing students to concrete and abstract concepts. By using Google Expedition in your classroom, students will be able to make connections to build their sturdy foundation for learning through 360 degree scenes and 3D objects. Google Expedition is a way for students to virtually experience things that may not be realistic, safe, or accessible in the real world.
Watching a tornado form on Google Expedition will not only be super engaging for students, it will be the most real way for students to experience such a thing. Think of all the places student will be able to go and all of the things they will be able to see. Students will not be traveling blind either, there is a script for teachers to use so they can serve as a guide and closely follow the objectives to reach the desired learning outcomes.
Think of a second grade science lesson on habitats. Students will be able to explore and see the different habitats that are discussed in class to better understand the animals and plants that fill each and what the habitat actually looks like. It is better than a picture as the students will get to experience it themselves. This is a great way to build connections and deepen background knowledge as students will begin comparing and contrasting between the different habitats and understand the similarities and differences in the animal and plant characteristics between habitats.
I hope to use this is a future special education class as I think students will become engaged and motivated to learn about the different topics and concepts if it is introduced in such a fun and exploratory way. Even in an ESL classroom, students will be able to observe the different stimulations that you have chosen to help teach vocabulary as they navigate and see directly what is being talked about in discussions. This can be used in all ages as it can help represent historical landmarks, atomic level, outer space, and different places / habitats all over the world.
Google Expedition is only accessible on iOS products (iPads and iPhones), but the app itself is free. Download from:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/expeditions/id1131711060#?platform=ipad
All you need is a google login and you will be able to download the places you want to go and boom, you are able to start exploring all over the world. The Google Cardboard (under 10 dollars) is something that you can buy to enhance this stimulation, however, it is not needed to see the stimulations and get the full 360 degree view.
Where should we go first?
Sara's Blog 