It's official, we are now hooked on using virtual reality in class. No other tool has generated so much wonder and excitement as using vr has to discover the world. We have been exploring things like architecture, painting galleries, outdoor sculpture parks and 3D models. In this post I want to pass on some of the tips that we've learned so far with using Google Cardboard (Google's virtual reality kit).
DIY or Not to DIY
Although Google provides great instructions for creating your own kit from just cardboard, a pair of lenses, a rare earth magnet and a compatible phone, we've found purchasing a ready made kit is definitely the way to go. Although there are some great customized versions out there, I've read other posts that state once you buy all the parts the cost for one already made is about the same. However, it would make a great project for secondary and postsecondary level students to design and make their own. Imagine that dinner conversation, "What did you do at school today?", "Oh, I just built my own virtual reality headset."
MOD IT
Whether you build your own kit or purchase a prefabricated one, some customization will go along way in using vr for learning. The first thing I did was to attach an adjustable velcro strap to the kit so students could securely wear it without having to hold it up. This also helps alleviate the possibility of it being dropped. One thing I still need to do is to add more non absorbent material to the inside due to the fact that oil from the face eventually stains a few parts of the headset after significant use. Also, adding a bit of glue or tape to the internal cross member that supports the front of the box may help keep that piece from sliding out of place which it does occasionally when inserting or retrieving the phone.
"WHERE AM I"
We've found that the experience of using virtual reality is so immersive that people, including me, sometimes forget that we still exist in a physical world. Thus, remind users not to walk around and to be careful about any sudden movements. The experience seems so real that every person that puts it on immediately begins twisting, reaching out and even tries walking at times so others that may be near by also need to be careful.
BENDING SPOONS
Ya, who hasn't wanted to be able to control objects with their mind simply by looking at them? You're dream of telekinesis is now here- sort of. Many of the Cardboard apps rely on controlling the interface by simply looking in certain directions and focusing on exact points. Choosing apps, selecting functions and directional navigation can all be controlled simply by looking within many apps. However, remember to caution users not to tilt their head to the right too far because doing so will automatically send many apps back to the home screen or menu. Also, the magnet slider button located on the side of the headset, that controls certain functions in the apps by cleverly reacting with sensors in the phone, can be tricky to use at times. We found that pulling it down and releasing it quickly works the best. There are already a myriad of vr aps available for all the different types of vr sets coming out, but double check their descriptions because some apps may require a separate bluetooth controller.
THE WORLD IS JUST A BLINK AWAY
Although the apps that are already available with Google Cardboard are wide ranging and increasing, we've found that the most amazing option is the ability to use your own content with the vr set. I've been creating photospheres of various places to use with the vr set and have found that to be the most authentic and powerful way to use it for learning. With a photosphere app a user can take complete 3D pictures of practically any environment or use video that can be spit into two screens and then viewed with the vr set. A user could experience in virtual reality what it's like to fly over an erupting volcano, dive with piranhas, or rocket through mountain valleys in a wing suit- the places and experiences that are at our finger tips are now nearly endless.
BONUS: CRANK IT
Some of the content we've been using in class has sound, but we all know that phone speakers aren't the best. Depending on the speaker location(s) of your phone and the construction of the headset, the speakers may even be covered up and muffled. Thankfully there are several easy ways to work around this. The easiest is just hooking up some headphones to the phone, but that isn't the only option. You can also link a bluetooth speaker to the phone to increase the sound quality.
As we continue to learn about and with vr I'll try to keep you updated and feel free to share your experiences with vr in the classroom too.
Wil Codilla is a professional artist, public educator and speaker. @WilCodilla
DIY or Not to DIY
Although Google provides great instructions for creating your own kit from just cardboard, a pair of lenses, a rare earth magnet and a compatible phone, we've found purchasing a ready made kit is definitely the way to go. Although there are some great customized versions out there, I've read other posts that state once you buy all the parts the cost for one already made is about the same. However, it would make a great project for secondary and postsecondary level students to design and make their own. Imagine that dinner conversation, "What did you do at school today?", "Oh, I just built my own virtual reality headset."
MOD IT
Whether you build your own kit or purchase a prefabricated one, some customization will go along way in using vr for learning. The first thing I did was to attach an adjustable velcro strap to the kit so students could securely wear it without having to hold it up. This also helps alleviate the possibility of it being dropped. One thing I still need to do is to add more non absorbent material to the inside due to the fact that oil from the face eventually stains a few parts of the headset after significant use. Also, adding a bit of glue or tape to the internal cross member that supports the front of the box may help keep that piece from sliding out of place which it does occasionally when inserting or retrieving the phone.
"WHERE AM I"
We've found that the experience of using virtual reality is so immersive that people, including me, sometimes forget that we still exist in a physical world. Thus, remind users not to walk around and to be careful about any sudden movements. The experience seems so real that every person that puts it on immediately begins twisting, reaching out and even tries walking at times so others that may be near by also need to be careful.
BENDING SPOONS
Ya, who hasn't wanted to be able to control objects with their mind simply by looking at them? You're dream of telekinesis is now here- sort of. Many of the Cardboard apps rely on controlling the interface by simply looking in certain directions and focusing on exact points. Choosing apps, selecting functions and directional navigation can all be controlled simply by looking within many apps. However, remember to caution users not to tilt their head to the right too far because doing so will automatically send many apps back to the home screen or menu. Also, the magnet slider button located on the side of the headset, that controls certain functions in the apps by cleverly reacting with sensors in the phone, can be tricky to use at times. We found that pulling it down and releasing it quickly works the best. There are already a myriad of vr aps available for all the different types of vr sets coming out, but double check their descriptions because some apps may require a separate bluetooth controller.
THE WORLD IS JUST A BLINK AWAY
Although the apps that are already available with Google Cardboard are wide ranging and increasing, we've found that the most amazing option is the ability to use your own content with the vr set. I've been creating photospheres of various places to use with the vr set and have found that to be the most authentic and powerful way to use it for learning. With a photosphere app a user can take complete 3D pictures of practically any environment or use video that can be spit into two screens and then viewed with the vr set. A user could experience in virtual reality what it's like to fly over an erupting volcano, dive with piranhas, or rocket through mountain valleys in a wing suit- the places and experiences that are at our finger tips are now nearly endless.
BONUS: CRANK IT
Some of the content we've been using in class has sound, but we all know that phone speakers aren't the best. Depending on the speaker location(s) of your phone and the construction of the headset, the speakers may even be covered up and muffled. Thankfully there are several easy ways to work around this. The easiest is just hooking up some headphones to the phone, but that isn't the only option. You can also link a bluetooth speaker to the phone to increase the sound quality.
As we continue to learn about and with vr I'll try to keep you updated and feel free to share your experiences with vr in the classroom too.
Wil Codilla is a professional artist, public educator and speaker. @WilCodilla