Google Cardboard: making VR more accessible
While VR headsets provide a completely immersed environment for students, they require headsets that are often very expensive, as well as computer hardware and software that can run in to thousands of dollars. Many students possess smartphones already. With Google Cardboard, student can simply insert their phone and voilà - instant VR headset!
Google Cardboard is Google's low-cost solution; the device costs around $15-20. Originally it was only available for Android phones, but recently an iPhone app was made available as well as an iOS SDK (software developer kit) - which means other companies - education companies -are likely to hop on to the trend, and build interactive VR activities for schools and the general public alike. The headset comes with a button on the side (see image, right) that can be made to do various different things (it's like a 'select' button). The user simply points their head to the desired option (usually a floating button), then uses the slider to confirm. |
Google Cardboard: Market Opportunities
The possibilities in education are endless - students can immerse themselves into a battlefield for history class, or walk around in buildings as part of an architecture unit, or in a museum for art class. Google's "Expeditions" (see video, right) has teamed up with places like the American Museum of Natural History to create a virtual museum experience. Student will soon be able to do things like explore the LHC, journey to the centre of an atom, or walk with the dinosaurs - all from the classroom.
Smartphone processing power may not be at the level required to provide realistic animations just yet, but it is only a matter of time before processing speeds catch up, and miniaturization allows for greater detail, immersion, and realism. |
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At the present, Google Cardboard can be used to explore student-built SketchUp 3D models. Currently, only relatively simplistic 3D models will work; highly detailed models will not render quickly enough. Apps like Kubity are convert SketchUp models for use with smartphones (see video, right). This allows students to build 3D models in SketchUp, and then ‘walk around’ their models. We have used Android phones for this and it has been great! |
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In this activity, we ask you to think about:
- Ideas for Google Cardboard that you have for your work environment
- Possible venture ideas for software that could be used for present (or future, more powerful) smartphones in a classroom setting. For example, students in IT may even have the opportunity to develop their own app using the SDK, to promote innovation in the field and stir an interest in programming and IT!
Check the articles in our Resources section for ideas!
Post your response on the ETEC 522 Blog: Week 8 - Activity 2 (link). Earn the "VR Level 2" Badge! |