How to Teach Virtual and Augmented Reality: Google Expeditions

Welcome to part two of a bite-sized series about tools and techniques educators use to teach augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the classroom. Read part one here.

The best AR/VR classroom app for beginners

One of the best ways to introduce AR and VR to teachers and students is with Google Expeditions. Google Expeditions is an augmented reality app that lets you fly over and explore virtual landscapes on your device with pop-up descriptions, facts and other important information about your expedition. This app is simple to use, can be set up quickly and contains a massive content library on nearly any topic you can think of.

Google Expeditions takes your class anywhere in the world.

Give students the opportunity to explore new places and artifacts without leaving the classroom. Search by topic and start exploring places, landmarks and environments in seconds.

How to get started with AR and Google Expeditions:

Google Expeditions uses your phone as a viewfinder to show the augmented reality around you. Before you begin an expedition, you’ll need to scan a marker sheet. A marker sheet is a physical paper printout, similar to a QR code, that tells your phone or tablet where to display augmented reality objects. You can print your own from a home printer — download and print marker sheets here.

Here’s how to begin:

Step 1

Open the Google Expeditions app and select your preferred expedition.

Step 2

Tap “View in AR.”

Step 3

Place your printed marker sheet somewhere accessible in your classroom, such as on a desk or table surface.

Step 4

Hold your phone above the printed sheet and gently move it around. This will scan the marker, similar to how you scan a QR code.

Step 4

Tap your phone, and your expedition object will appear directly on the marker.

Now you’re guiding an expedition to a new place, environment or object right on your phone. You’ll need an easy way to share what’s on your screen for the whole class to see. Read part one in this series to learn how to share your Google Expeditions experience to the big screen.

Pro Tips:

• If you’re guiding an expedition, download and print out these marker sheets.
• Check out this comprehensive list of all available AR and VR Google Expeditions.

Be on the lookout for part three in this series, where holograms happen in the palm of your hand.

This blog series is created by Alpha Squirrel Christine Danhoff. An Ohio-based educator and member of the Alpha Squirrel program, Christine is an ambassador for Squirrels and is an expert on developing creative ways to educate students and other educators with technology.