Google Expeditions

This resource is a virtual reality teaching tool that allows teachers to send their class on field trips without leaving the classroom. There are multiple things to discover such as historical and natural phenomena. Google has specifically created kits for classrooms that come with VR headsets, mobile phones, and teaching guides.

This could potentially be used to teach history or culture of the Māori people, in order to expand students’ knowledge of tikanga.

Year Level

Any year level

Digital Technology

Android/Apple App.

Access

Search ‘Google Expeditions’ on App Store or Google Play

Features

Free app, but VR headsets and mobile phones are costly.
Teacher guides students through the expedition by using a tablet that connects to all the students’ headsets.
360° view and 3D images.
Tablets and phones can switch to 2D mode, meaning no VR headset is required.
Expeditions can be downloaded to be used offline.
Over 200 Expeditions available that include descriptions, talking points and questions for explorers.
Users can explore as a group, led by a tour guide or the teacher. There is also the option of exploring individually, but this is more for private use than educational use.
Interactive. As you move around, the VR world moves with you.

Review and Critique

Google Expeditions enables students to interact with places, times and natural phenomena in a way they could not have before (Dede, Grotzer, Churchill, 2017; Kamarainen, & Metcalf, 2017; Mayes & Freitas, 2013). This digital resource can be relevant to learning, depending on the topic, because it represents reality, in the sense of what has been, what is now, and what can usually not be viewed easily (Dede et al., 2017; Duchesne & McMaugh, 2016).

This digital resource is a rich learning tool because it immerses students in experiences with which they can explore the simulated environment without being at risk (Duchesne & McMaugh, 2016). By having the freedom to safely explore a phenomena, students are empowered to take control of their learning and build their own curiosity and motivation to learn (Duchesne & McMaugh, 2016; Kirkman, 2017; Mills, 2014).

Google expeditions promotes student led learning in regards to the fact that students are able to learn independently and collaboratively through this digital experience, rather than having information handed to them (Churchill, 2017). Virtual reality is also an engaging piece of technology for students, meaning that Google Expeditions is likely to be a very engaging alternative to traditional methods of teaching (Dede et al., 2017; Kirkman, 2017).

This resource is quite advanced as far as digital resources go. However the only downfall it has, is that it does not have any expeditions based on Māori culture or history. It does have an expedition that views a traditional Polynesian boat, which is somewhat similar to some traditional Māori boats, but it is still not the same. Therefore, until there is a time that Māori content is able to be explored, then this app would not be suitable for teaching Te Reo specifically.

Recommendations for Users and Developers

I would recommend that Google Expeditions, (when or if there is Māori content added) be used to introduce the topic. Whether that be learning specific vocabulary related to the Marae, or learning tikanga and discovering a pā site.

I have recommended that this resource can be used for any of the primary school years, because of its interactive and easy to use nature. Students of all ages are likely to be very engaged with resources that incorporate virtual reality. This resource will quite possibly motivate students to learn more about Te Reo and tikanga Māori in a new, innovative and exciting manner.

I would recommend that the developers integrate Māori expeditions into the resource as this would not only aid students in learning tikanga, but it would also aid learning in other subjects and topics such as social sciences or the arts. Expeditions such as the arrival of the first wakas to New Zealand, or a traditional pā would be a good place to start.

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