UPDATE: We have selected the RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 kits as an alternative to Google Expeditions and they are now available on our store. They'll include VR bundles for 10, 20, or 30 students with a similar platform that teachers used with Google Expeditions. Teachers can bring their students along on over 700 immersive Expeditions, virtual field trips, and more using their robust Expeditions 2.0 mobile app. Explore our current list of RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 offerings on our store.
While we understand educators might be frustrated with the shift, we want to remind you that their Google Expeditions mobile app is no longer available. It was discontinued last June and it 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 also want to explore other educational VR solutions, we've also looked at some additional options. While they do offer different experiences than the Google Expeditions did, 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's probably challenging and frustrating for educators who had committed to teaching with that previously available Google Expeditions content. We definitely understand and just want to let you know that you're not alone. While it would require some redesigning and adding alternative programming into those classes in which you'd planned to use Google Expeditions materials, just know that the potential for teaching with VR still exists. We're also continuing to vet other reliable 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 could travel almost anywhere and explore landmarks in Europe, the Middle East, space, and more. Plus, they won't need any additional controllers to explore the 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, or inside the Egyptian pyramids. Their devices don't need a gyroscope or built-in compass either as students explore these fascinating sites across Europe and Asia.
VR Space (Android)
The VR Space app helps children to explore the solar system in a very immersive VR environment. Clear HD graphics allow kids 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 children to enjoy and ambient music to add to their experiences. Plus, it's similar to Google Expeditions and helps kids 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 their highly immersive environment, students could view various anatomical structures (similar to Google Expeditions tours) and become a part of each internal system, offering up-close views like never before. Kids can also interact with the navigation controls and discover information by aiming at them in fullscreen VR view.
Civilisations AR (iOS and Android)
Using Civilisations AR, students get to 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 doesn't require any headset and students can place and manipulate objects in their own surroundings using augmented reality for education. It even features up-close and interactive looks at ancient art, cultures, and various masterpieces. Students can explore new things as well, including over two dozen historic artifacts and secrets from the past!
If you have plans for any upcoming VR project in your school or district, we'd encourage you to check out some of these tools or contact our team to learn more about how we could 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 instructors need for VR in education. Among other accessories, they include one of two headset types, teacher devices, a storage cart, chargers, and access to their Expeditions library. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all of our latest EdTech updates.
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