Virtual Options/Getting Started

Virtual Reality can be experienced by adding an app to your device and searching for a virtual experience, or simply by searching on YouTube 360 (filter for 360.) For a less immersive experience, watch on a chromebook or iPad. We have a full classroom set of VR viewers in the SRMS LLC. Content providers are creating meaningful VR content for the classroom. Talk to your library media specialist for help. See the "Content by Subject" tab for recommended content providers and the "Reflections" tab for examples of how we're integrating VR and what we expect next.

This Knowledge Quest article provides a great overview on how to get started with VR/AR.

Recommended steps for utilizing VR in the classroom:

  • Students can use their phones, an iPad or their chromebook. Chromebook: Just click & drag to move around; iPad: launch video and move around; Phones and Google Cardboard viewers: Open in YouTube app (will not appear split-screen for viewers otherwise), tilt the phone so it's landscape orientation, tap the cardboard "goggles" icon, and insert in your viewer.
  • Make sure device is on correct wifi (Student devices should be on 'rps_my_byod.' Library iPads should be on 'rpsbyod.')
  • Launch lesson via Nearpod, a link from a Googlesite, YouTube, or from the app of the content provider (See Content by Subject tab) such as Discovery VR.

See Content by Subject for examples

Google Expeditions: Lead your students on virtual field trips! Pick an adventure to anywhere—from the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Wall of China—and see details about points of interest. Content is provided for the 'tour leader' teacher.

Finding Google Expeditions Tours

Here's an example of how you can direct students to see marked points of interest while on a trip.

Self-guided Explorer Mode

Google Earth: Google Earth's Voyager stories are made in collaboration with National Geographic Society, PBS Learning Media, HHMI Biointeractive and Mission Blue. Voyager stories offer students a new perspective on the world.

A very special thanks to the Ridgefield Education Foundation for their generous support!

-Janine Johnson, Library Media Specialist, Scotts Ridge Middle School