Out of all the things to be paired with cutting-edge technology, that last thing imagined had to be cardboard. Yet here it is, making education better.

In 2021 smartphones have almost become as common as cardboard has; Google was smart enough to combine the two into an intuitive and enjoyable experience for anyone who tries it. While it is a form of entertainment, this VR, virtual reality, the experience can be a vital tool in the classroom when paired with programs like Google Earth VR.

VR is such a unique experience because the user becomes a part of whatever setting they choose, allowing for someone to get into an intense battle on the ground, swim with fish in an ocean, walk through a haunted house, play a sport; the possibilities are limitless, well for those who can afford it. VR headsets are not cheap, usually ranging from $200+. If they are so expensive, how can they be used in the classroom? Google has the answer, its Cardboard platform, which uses literal cardboard or other cheap materials to create a viewing lense similar to one high tech companies have like iTechArt (New York, USA) or Oculus VR (California, USA). This means the price drops almost 100% to something affordable for say, a whole classroom full of students.

As a soon-to-be social studies educator, it is my job to educate my students on the entire world around them, not just their local community. While these students may never travel outside their state, Google Earth VR allows them to travel any way they want to anywhere they choose. Walk, fly, teleport; however students choose to get somewhere, they are able to immerse themselves wherever they go, which is essential when framing a history or geography lesson. Google Cardboard really helps students with geography because they are able to use their smartphone and virtually walk around anywhere they want, which is way more helpful than staring at a map.

What are you waiting for?

There’s a whole world out there to explore.

Get folding!