What is "Google Cardboard" and why should you care?

There are times when it's difficult to tell when something is a novel fad or it has some staying power. I'll admit that I dismissed the iPod as a waste of money. 

"Pffft... why would I want all my music on that little thing? I've already got my 10 lb binder of CDs!"

With Google Cardboard, it's a novelty in the truest sense of the word. It's clever, unique,  and simple way to bring virtual reality into your classroom. Yeah... virtual reality. You've never seen anything like this before.  The cardboard boxes (shown above) house the cell phone or iPod that utilizes a variety of apps to create an immersive experience. When you turn your head, it moves with you. When you pull the lever, it responds. It's pretty stinking cool. 

Adding resources like Google Street view and the Cardboard app, you can virtually transport yourself to just about anywhere in the world, including the back room of our library. 

Great, huh? So what...? How, if at all, could these be used in your classroom? Welp, glad you asked! Imagine taking your students on a virtual field trip to the Louvre in Paris, or the Acropolis ruins as you're learning about ancient Greece. Make your current events and stories come alive by having students visit the locations their learning about. 

Is it cool? Oh, yeah... you bet it is. And the importance of adding a cool, high-interest resource to your classroom can't be overlooked. But, it's also a learning tool in the same way investigating at actual location or museum is. Student could also make their own virtual tours using Google Street View.  

We've purchased six of the cardboard goggles and two the the Viewfinder brand goggles along with two devices to put inside the goggles. These are available to our staff and students to use. If you're interested and want to know more, please let me know!