Google Announces Virtual Reality App and Updates to ‘Expeditions Program’

Looks like Google is developing a bit of habit when it comes to releasing edu-product announcements every few months or so. Take, for example, Google Expeditions--a virtual reality experience that relies on a smartphone and Google Cardboard to take the viewer to the likes of the Great Wall of China and Mars. Back in June of 2015, Google debuted its program to ISTE conference visitors. Then, the company announced the September launch of the Expeditions Pioneer Program pilot, where Google provided “kits” to select teachers to experiment with in classrooms.

Today, the company is at it again with new Expedition experiences and a beta version of its Android app.

First up, Google has announced the addition of two new Expeditions—Buckingham Palace and the Great Barrier Reef, to be exact. Google reports that Buckingham Palace and the Reef experience (designed and produced by Sir David Attenborough and Alchemy VR) were two of the most popularly requested locations by students.

Next up, Google has released a beta version of the Google Expeditions app for selected schools and educators that sign up to participate. Participants will download the app to Android phones and tablets to engage with it in class and offer feedback.

Google reports that more than 500,000 students have participated in the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program since its September launch.

For more information, check out the Google Expeditions page.