Technology Leader, Arielle Goldstein, of Watchung Borough school district writes, “Today I went from the depths of the ocean to the Moon. I visited the Galapagos Islands, the Colosseum, Antarctica, Mars, and Mount Rushmore. I saw sharks, pythons, and polar bears all from inside the school.”
Ms. Goldstein continues, “Along with students and teachers in grades 2-8, I went on and controlled a number of virtual field trips today thanks to the Google Expedition app. Currently in beta testing, the Watchung Borough school district was lucky enough to have Google Expeditions come to our schools on Wednesday, October 28th to let our students explore.”
Using 360 degree views of different places around the world, students used Google Cardboard to explore. Turning left and right, looking up and down, each student could see a panoramic view of oceans, cities, outer space, jungles, and more. There a large number of expeditions to choose from that relate to all areas of curriculum. Teachers control the synchronized images on the students’ “Cardboard”, and can direct them to a specific point on the image. Students see an arrow directing them where to look, allowing teachers to have their class all looking at the same thing and ready to learn. There is no way to replicate the experience. This technology has brought learning to another level!
(above l-r) 2nd grade students – Dayain Hekler, Allessandra DelForno, and Sienna DiGiacomo.
(above l-r) 4th grade students – Sydney Hayes and Ashlyne Piro.
