I explored using the VR with Earth google tours, and it is nonetheless but awesome! You can see the earth’s map from a 3d standpoint. The visual is as if you are looking on the outside looking in down on the world. In other words, it is a 3d model that you can interact with using the Gear VR. It allows you to go anywhere in the world of your choice to explore in 3D! Without the Gear VR on Earth tour, you can see the entire world that has been captured through helicopter imaging; however, the world is not 3D; it is flat. To take a small tour of the earth in 3D, click here! Earth google tours give you selections of where to visit in the world, and it offers a search bar where you can type in the location, and it will bring you to it instantly.
Samsung has its own Gear VR, which happens to be very popular, but it can be pricey. An alternative for the Gear VR headset by Samsung is the google cardboard. Google cardboard is capable of giving a 3D effect, just like the Gear VR Samsung created. Although they are similar, they are also different quality-wise and technology. Google cardboard is exactly how it sounds because it’s made out of cardboard! It supports most phones up to 6 inches and would cost about $20. Now it doesn’t have all the features and luxuries the Samsung gear has, but it is good to try for a demo. I personally have had experience with the Samsung VR headset as it was a gift to my brother. I’d say it is worth the money; it makes you feel like you are in the game or whatever it may have been. I haven’t tried it with Earth Tour, but that is definitely where I am headed to!!! If you would like to find more about good cardboard to give it a try, click here!
I believe that using Gear Vr can be of great use in Global Collaborations. This would be a great tool for projects. Students can be assigned a project about another country, and they can use this tool to help them create their project, giving them more insight into the country. They can use VR and google tours to look at their assigned country and describe it. This is another opportunity given to kids to better describe another country that travels beyond their classroom walls! Also, it is a good way to keep students interested, and this can bring real-life experiences!
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Twitter- @Kaylanick22