Two Great Tools for Taking Students on Virtual 3D Field Trips

One of the important ways teachers can use technology in their classrooms (as featured in 10 important was to integrate technology in class poster) is to leverage the potential of virtual reality for educational purposes. There are several web tools and mobile apps teachers can use to take students on virtual trips to almost anywhere in the world.  We have already reviewed several of these apps in the past, but today’s post  highlights two of our favourite tools that have been recently released. These are tools (features) which have been added in the last few months to Google Earth and Apple maps allowing learners to explore the world from the comforts of their classrooms.

1- Google Earth VR
Google Earth VR , a new service that allows users to virtually explore the world from different perspectives and right from the comforts of their own place. You can walk, fly or stroll through amazing places and experience incredible sights from standing at the top of the highest peaks to soaring into space, Google Earth VR will help you explore the wonders of the world in 3D virtual reality. 'Earth VR comes with cinematic tours and hand-picked destinations that send you to the Amazon River, the Manhattan skyline, the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, and more.’ You can check the preview gallery in Google Earth VR home page to see some examples of amazing places you can visit using this new service.' Watch the video below to learn more about Google Earth VR

2- Flyover feature in Apple Maps
Apple’s Maps app has a similar feature called Flyover. Using this feature will allow you to take your students on virtual tours to explore the world in 3D. You can visit over 250 cities and destinations from all around the  world.  As is demonstrated in the video below, the process is very easy: open Maps app in your iPad, head over to the area you want to explore, and if  an aerial tour is available you will see a circle with 3D. Tap on the 3D icon and tap ’Tour’ to start your flyover adventure. Click on the image below to watch how you can use Maps’ Flyover tours with your students.