UPDATE: We've selected the RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 kits as an alternative for Google Expeditions and they are now available on our store. They include VR bundles for 10, 20, or 30 students with a similar platform that educators used with Google Expeditions. Educators can bring students along on over 700 immersive Expeditions, virtual field trips, and more using the Expeditions 2.0 mobile app. Explore our current list of RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 offerings on our store.
While we understand educators may be frustrated with this shift, we want to remind you that the Google Expeditions mobile app is no longer available. It was discontinued last June and is no longer accessible to users. At first, the Google Arts & Culture app had certainly emerged as one popular Google Expeditions replacement. It was among our top recommendations for alternatives but, for educators who want to explore other educational VR solutions, we've also looked at some additional options. While they offer different experiences than Google Expeditions, educators can certainly teach effectively with these resources. And, students can still travel to new places and satisfy their curiosity.
Using apps as a makeshift Google Expeditions replacement.
It might be challenging or frustrating for educators who had committed to teaching with the previously available Google Expeditions content. We definitely understand and just want to let you know that you're not alone. While it may take some redesigning and adding alternative programming into those classes in which you'd planned to use the Google Expeditions materials, just know that the potential for teaching with VR still exists. We're also continuing to vet other potential solutions and believe we have some suggestions for both iOS and Android users.
Sites in VR (iOS and Android)
The Sites in VR app brings sites from around and out of this world to students in clear VR view. Like with Google Expeditions, students can travel almost anywhere and explore landmarks in Europe, the Middle East, space, and more. Plus, they don't need any additional controllers to explore sites from multiple angles and perspectives. Educators can simply add the app to their device and start exploring the world. Some of the placed students can travel to include Islamic architecture, mosques, ancient cities, religious sites, the Eiffel Tower, and inside the Egyptian pyramids. Their devices don't need a gyroscope or compass either as students explore these fascinating sites across Europe and Asia.
VR Space (Android)
The VR Space app allows students to explore our solar system in a truly immersive VR environment. Clear HD graphics allow users to view and better understand the planets, stars, and other wonders of space. The app is headset-compatible and doesn't require additional controllers for students to explore its features. It also provides amazing views of space for students to enjoy and ambient music to add to the experience. Plus, it's similar to Google Expeditions and helps students feel like they're floating through space while making new, up-close discoveries!
Anatomyou VR (iOS and Android)
Students can take a look inside the human body and its many complex systems with the Anatomyou VR app. It's great for science classes with in-depth tours of the circulatory system, female reproductive tract, gastrointestinal tract, and more. Tours of other systems are also available for purchase. Within this highly immersive environment, students can view various anatomical structures (similar to Google Expeditions tours) and become a part of each internal system, offering an up-close view like never before. They can also interact with the navigation controls and discover information by aiming at them in fullscreen VR view.
Civilisations AR (iOS and Android)
With Civilisations AR, students can examine to-scale artifacts from all around the world. This Google Expeditions alternative provides brief summaries and audio guides describing each object and its origins. Civilisations AR does not require a headset and students can place and manipulate objects in their own surroundings using augmented reality for education. It also features up-close and interactive looks at ancient art, cultures, and various masterpieces. Students get to learn about some new things as well, including over 30 historic artifacts and secrets from the past!
If you have plans for an upcoming VR project in your school or district, we encourage you to check out some of these tools or contact our team to learn more about how we can help. We also want to reiterate that we endorse the RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 kits as reliable Google Expeditions replacements. There are a few kits to choose from (find some below) and they come with everything classroom teachers need for VR in education. Among other accessories, they include one of two headset types, teacher devices, storage carts, chargers, and access to the Expeditions library. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all of our latest EdTech updates.
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