In this module Pam Douglas and I created our own virtual reality viewers from a google cardboard template. This was a really fun project and would be a cost effective way to bring this wearable technology into the classroom. For $5 we were able to make viewers to fit an iPhone 6 with parts to spare. As you can see from my pic collage we began by tracing a viewer blueprint onto cardboard. Next we cut out the template, folded it and held it together with velcro. We ended up hacking the make of the viewers. Instead of using magnets to hold the sides together we used velcroe, which held together the cardboard better than the magnet and washer suggested in the instructions. We then used lenses out of a $3 pair of binoculars from the dollar store for looking through when using the viewer. Then we placed the iPhone 6 in the viewer and tried out two different applications compatible with google cardboard. We were able to explore some streets in Paris and look at various 3D models of artifacts from museums.
While this project was fun and interesting we did come across some challenges and questions for further exploration. When making the viewers we had no idea what to do with the nose piece. We thought of cutting it off but realized we needed it. This however made us try to understand how virtual reality worked. We figured we needed that nose piece in between the eyes because it helps the split screen image converge so we can see the double image as shown in the picture below as one image.
Another challenge we came across was cutting the stiff cardboard. I do not think young children would be able to do this. We thought that next time we could try using thinner cardboard like cereal box cardboard. Also next time we will add a headstrap so the viewer does not have to be held up and we can experience the virtual reality apps hands free. We also found it difficult to control the apps while the iPhone was in the viewers because to select the options you have to touch the phone screen. However to improve the function of the app while the phone is in the viewers an e-tag can be purchased from the google cardboard site that plugs into the phone so the screen on the phone can be controlled without having to touch it.
We also discussed the potential downfalls to bringing this technology to the classroom. If students do not have their own iPods or phones then this might be a difficult project to implement. However most classes I have been to from grade 4 on students do bring their own technology to school. If students did not have access to it then teachers would have to use their personal technology which could be a security concern or they could risk it getting damaged.
While the apps for this technology are still in development Pam and I discussed possible uses for education of google cardboard. Firstly there is a social and hands on making component to this technology. Having two people work on this project not only made it easier to fold the viewers together, but also allowed us to work together to come up with a way to make the viewers more durable by using more velcro for example instead of magnets to hold the sides together. This project would have been more tedious and challenging without a second person working on it which highlights the social and collaborative aspect to "making" that I have learned to enjoy.
I have found some resources and apps that can be used in education. For students that are more advanced Google cardboard SDK is a resource for people who want to try developing their own apps for virtual reality. In class we talked about whether or not virtual reality has anything to do with making and we suggested that if students could make the viewers it could be. However if we could have students creating their own apps too using a program like Cardboard SDK then we are having them participateactively in the development of this technology. I also found a really interesting iPhone6 app that is filled with news stories and videos made for virtual reaility veiwers called "Vrse." This would be a really innovative way of bringing current events curricular integration into the classroom. Google is also coming out with the app "Google Expiditions" which would allow students to take virtual trips.
While this project was fun and interesting we did come across some challenges and questions for further exploration. When making the viewers we had no idea what to do with the nose piece. We thought of cutting it off but realized we needed it. This however made us try to understand how virtual reality worked. We figured we needed that nose piece in between the eyes because it helps the split screen image converge so we can see the double image as shown in the picture below as one image.
Another challenge we came across was cutting the stiff cardboard. I do not think young children would be able to do this. We thought that next time we could try using thinner cardboard like cereal box cardboard. Also next time we will add a headstrap so the viewer does not have to be held up and we can experience the virtual reality apps hands free. We also found it difficult to control the apps while the iPhone was in the viewers because to select the options you have to touch the phone screen. However to improve the function of the app while the phone is in the viewers an e-tag can be purchased from the google cardboard site that plugs into the phone so the screen on the phone can be controlled without having to touch it.
We also discussed the potential downfalls to bringing this technology to the classroom. If students do not have their own iPods or phones then this might be a difficult project to implement. However most classes I have been to from grade 4 on students do bring their own technology to school. If students did not have access to it then teachers would have to use their personal technology which could be a security concern or they could risk it getting damaged.
While the apps for this technology are still in development Pam and I discussed possible uses for education of google cardboard. Firstly there is a social and hands on making component to this technology. Having two people work on this project not only made it easier to fold the viewers together, but also allowed us to work together to come up with a way to make the viewers more durable by using more velcro for example instead of magnets to hold the sides together. This project would have been more tedious and challenging without a second person working on it which highlights the social and collaborative aspect to "making" that I have learned to enjoy.
I have found some resources and apps that can be used in education. For students that are more advanced Google cardboard SDK is a resource for people who want to try developing their own apps for virtual reality. In class we talked about whether or not virtual reality has anything to do with making and we suggested that if students could make the viewers it could be. However if we could have students creating their own apps too using a program like Cardboard SDK then we are having them participateactively in the development of this technology. I also found a really interesting iPhone6 app that is filled with news stories and videos made for virtual reaility veiwers called "Vrse." This would be a really innovative way of bringing current events curricular integration into the classroom. Google is also coming out with the app "Google Expiditions" which would allow students to take virtual trips.
Resources
Instructions for making Viewers....scroll all the way down on the site to get downloadable template.
https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/get-cardboard/
Cardboard SDK-for developing your own VR app
https://developers.google.com/cardboard/
Vrse - virtual reality news
http://vrse.com/
Instructions for making Viewers....scroll all the way down on the site to get downloadable template.
https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/get-cardboard/
Cardboard SDK-for developing your own VR app
https://developers.google.com/cardboard/
Vrse - virtual reality news
http://vrse.com/