Students go around world with Google’s virtual reality field trips

Looking at a picture of the Great Wall of China might cause a student to raise an inquisitive eyebrow. But using technology to feel like they’ve actually visited the landmark could create a future China scholar.

That’s at least the dream behind Google Expeditions, a 10month- old project from the search giant that gives teachers virtual- reality tools to teleport students to some of the most intriguing destinations on this planet and others.

Beginning Monday, the Mountain View, Calif.- based company will begin visiting thousands of schools in six states as well as in Australia, England and Brazil.

Teachers who expressed interest online in Expeditions after Google announced the project at its I/ O developers conference last May will get all- day access to a kit that includes a tablet ( from which teachers control the lesson plan), ASUS smartphones ( which slot into Google Cardboard or Mattel View- Masters for the VR experience) and a router that relays the signal between devices ( no in- school Internet connection required).

Google has yet to say whether it has sales expectations with the program, specifically with regard to the unique teacher- focused content of the VR adventures.

“Honestly, we haven’t gotten that far yet,” says Ben Schrom, product manager for Expedi- tions. “Classrooms are unique environments, especially when it comes to putting technology in them. The idea is to take the tech into the classrooms, help teachers get their head around it and learn more about what we can do with it.”

Another of the project’s sponsors, Subaru, is both providing funding for the creation of some of the content (“They’re particularly passionate about reducing landfills,” Schrom says) as well as a small fleet of vehicles so kits can make the rounds in California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Texas. Other states may be added. The program is open to classrooms of third graders through college students.

Google Cardboard is a simple smartphone holder made out of cardboard. Directions are available online to make homemade versions as well. Stereoscopic content displayed in a horizontal mode comes to life in two and three dimensions when using such basic phone holders and represents an inexpensive way to access such media when compared to devices such as Samsung VR and the forthcoming and pricey Oculus Rift VR goggles.

To date, Google has compiled more than 100 VR trips to places ranging from the Great Barrier Reef to Mars.

ANDREW FEDERMAN The Google Expeditions project aims to bring virtual reality field trips to schools around the world.