Looking for a Google Expeditions replacement has proven tough on many STEAM educators. Those VR solutions worked in the classroom but, in navigating potential replacements, we've added another product line to our store. Joining RobotLAB's VR Expeditions 2.0 bundles, these TD Synnex VR kits offer another solid option for teaching using virtual reality. Perfect for creating up-close learning experiences, these new virtual reality solutions provide educators with both the hardware and software for leading effective STEM learning. So, we thought you'd want to get to know each VR kit and what they bring to the table.
Get to know the TD Synnex VR kits.
We are excited to now offer more than one classroom VR solution for educators to evaluate. And, while there are a fewer number of TD Synnex VR kits than there were for Google Expeditions hardware options, the quality each provides is important. Currently, we have three TD Synnex kits on our store, differentiated only by the number of units in each. There's the 10 Student Pack, 20 Student Pack, and 30 Student Pack. Perhaps most notably, each of the three kits comes with the same components. This standardized setup helps alleviate some of the confusion and it's a bit different than other VR kit configurations with both the RobotLAB solutions and previous Google Expeditions kits.
So, what materials do educators get with each VR kit? To start, the 10 Student Pack comes with one 10-inch Android teacher's tablet, 10 Magellan U2+ VR student devices, 10 Homido viewers, two 8-port USB charging stations, a 1-year warranty, and the pre-loaded version of the ExpeditionsPro app on all devices. With the 20 Student Pack, you'd, of course, get 20 student devices and Homido viewers along with three charging stations. And, with the 30 Student Packs, you'd get 30 student devices, 30 Homido viewers, and four charging stations. What stands out here is having the new ExpeditionsPro app pre-loaded. This saves teachers tons of time and ensures students know exactly what to access when using these systems.
The ExpeditionsPro app.
To maximize teaching with the TD Synnex VR kits, educators can use the redesigned ExpeditionsPro app. As we mentioned, it comes pre-loaded on all student devices in whichever kit you purchase. In using the ExpeditionsPro app, students can navigate a huge collection of existing VR tours, import their own tours, and access offline learning options for greater flexibility. This app is completely free and available on both the Apple and Google Play stores as well as other locations. Also, there is no subscription required to use the ExpeditionsPro app. Teachers can even export old Google Expeditions tours if they have them, upload them to the new platform, and continue using them in instruction.
Within the app, students can access virtual scenes and even immerse themselves in various environments. Educators can lead class-wide lessons with the TD Synnex content and talk students through images they see along the way. There are plenty of appealing sites and artifacts as well, which is derived from previous Google Expeditions content. These include talking points for teachers, descriptions, and general questions for them to ask. Students can even work on creating their own tours and share them with their classmates. You can learn more about the ExpeditionsPro features and exporting or creating VR content on their site.
Other in-app and instructional features.
Along with the amazing and engaging imagery, the ExpeditionsPro app is easy to use with the TD Synnex headsets. It features incredibly student-friendly hardware, which runs on the lowest specifications possible, making it more accessible. This allows students to use the hardware on different devices, including Google Cardboard, mobile phones, tablets, and PCs. Plus, teachers can access classroom management software to better facilitate lessons throughout multiple headsets. And, educators can more easily view, create, and download lesson plans for use on or offline, even using previously created educator content as a template.
As for hardware, the two main pieces are the Magellan U2+ devices and the Android teacher tablet. Those Magellan devices feature optimized VR playback and viewing experiences, allowing students to experience the full benefits of VR in education. Since it's an open Android platform, teachers can also download any apps from the Google Play store to use in lessons. Then, there are the teacher tablets, which are small and compact in size for anywhere-anytime use. They're great for helping educators facilitate VR field trips and tours and can run any other Android apps as well. Coming together to create truly immersive learning, the TD Synnex kits and classroom-friendly VR software work great for creating more in-depth instruction.
Available TD Synnex extras and kits.
Though they're certainly affordable and powerful in their own right, educators could also choose to add on some accessories with each of the three TD Synnex VR kits. For example, the 10 Student Pack comes with an optional ASUS router and custom fit rolling case. The 20 Pack comes with an optional ASUS router and two rolling cases, and the 30 Pack comes with an optional router and three rolling cases. For added info on each TD Synnex VR kit, click below or contact our team. We're happy to create custom quotes or provide consultation on integrating these VR solutions. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more.
Also, do you know if there are any simulated tours inside the body, such as digestive system, pregnancy, etc. or is more world locations, museums, etc.?