How I Use It
As a language teacher, it is hard to find any possible applications of the Cardboard in the classroom. I found couples of language related VR applications, most of them are simple vocabulary learning apps in a virtual world. Naturally, the VR has strength on visual contents, so it might not be the best application and technology at this moment for language learning, which emphasizes its audio aspects (listening and speaking). I used the Google Street View app to maximize the integrations of VR's visual functions and language learning. Using the Street View of a specific city where a target language is spoken, students can see the authentic texts while roaming the streets. For example, in a French class, go to Paris using the Street View and students learn how to read billboards, road signs, notices, etc. in a more authentic setting. Additionally, if language learning is expanded to culture learning, then I expect that it could be used in various ways, but there are not many contents ready yet in the market.
My Take
It is my first time to try VR-related product and applications, and actually I could not use the Cardboard in the classroom. However, while exploring many apps, I found that Google Expeditions app. Using my iPad (teacher's controller), I can control students' mobile devices (students' cardboard). It allows that a teacher shares the same contents with students, and create in-class activities. There are not so many contents about language learning yet, more visualized listening activities or speaking or role play activities in a authentic setting could be possible in the future.
