A lot of VR-based instruction took a hit when the Google Expeditions app was discontinued back in 2021. Educators were no longer able to access the Google Expeditions app, meaning they couldn't leverage the same engaging and immersive lessons, tours, and experiences with children. The good thing, however, is that the RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 platform remains a perfect alternative for Google Expeditions. Like the Google Expeditions kits, there are various options when it comes to size, tons of VR content for kids to access, and even some new accessories. So far, they've helped tons of instructors continue teaching with AR and VR while exciting students at the same time.
Currently, there are six RobotLAB VR kits available on our store. They also run on the expensive side, but we believe the value they add to experiential learning is legitimate. Also, like those Google Expeditions kits, some of these solutions have augmented reality capabilities along with virtual reality. Some are available for 10, 20, or 30 students while others only include the 30-student option except for one 27-pack. And, for accessories, these include the rolling storage carts, a transport case, and teachers' materials with different options to choose. Plus, we sell the individual student and educator licenses as well, which you'll need for using the system. And, we're now offering a Tour Creator License as well as a 360-degree camera to add extra excitement.
We offer three variations of the RobotLAB VR kits. There are the Standard AR/VR kits, Advanced VR kits, and Standard VR kits. The Standard VR Kits come with lower-end red VR viewers while the Advanced Kits come with the headsets that are more advanced and black in color. The VR Standard Kit is available in two options: with a cart or with a rolling case. The option with the cart is more costly to start but the option with the rolling case is available in units of 10, 20, or 30—increasing in price with the added units.
The same is true for the AR/VR Standard Kits: a 30-student kit that comes with a cart and also an option to choose between a 10-pack, 20-pack, or 30-pack that comes with a rolling case instead. And, you guessed it, it's the same situation for the Advanced Kits. That 27-Student Advanced Kit is more costly and it comes with the cart included while the Advanced Kit includes the rolling case and the option to choose between a 10-pack, 20-pack, and 30-pack. Whatever kit size and style teachers choose, they all, however, come with a 1-year warranty and RobotLAB support.
Besides those differences in transport options and number of headsets, both of the Standard VR kits come with a teacher tablet, Wi-Fi router, and a charger (either multi-port or a rapid charger). The Standard AR/VR kits come with the same materials plus the addition of selfie sticks for students to use. Plus, the Advanced Kits come with student controllers in addition to the headsets and all of the other materials. Every kit even comes with the RobotLAB Expeditions 2.0 app pre-loaded onto headsets, making it easy to get started.
Yes, there's a lot to go over when it comes to each kit's components but, hopefully, this can help teachers gain a better understanding of what they'll get with each of them. As for educational value and content, the RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 hardware and software essentially enable all educators to take their students on immersive VR field trips. In fact, there are over 700 field trips they can access through the app without having to leave the classroom! Plus, the lessons are relevant in all areas of the curriculum from science and history to literature. And, as you might guess, that Expeditions 2.0 app really helps teachers tie everything together as the centerpiece of these solutions.
The app and the content within it each help educators supplement existing curriculum with vivid imagery and up-close interaction. Essentially, they are described as collections of 360-degree panoramas and 3D images that also include annotated and interactive details, highlighted points of interest, and prompts for relevant questions educators could ask as they lead lessons. These features, combined with the included teacher tablet, help ensure educators integrate the hardware and all this VR content effectively. We'll also note that, since kits come with so many accessories and software access, they're true turnkey solutions.
As we have said, two of these RobotLAB VR kits also include augmented reality capabilities. This feature allows educators to switch the Expeditions 2.0 app to AR mode and bring digital content to life. While there aren't many AR expeditions (about 100), this helps children better grasp abstract concepts and view things up close. There's also an option to create their own VR content when possible. With the Tour Creator tool, students can access footage from the 360-degree cameras that capture Google Street View content. Then, they can compile it to create their own footage, adding another chance for them to truly tap their creativity.
In terms of usage, teachers can easily take control of lessons and lead the students through field trips. This is what enables them to interact with what they've been discussing in recent units. Plus, using their teacher tablet, they can also track what students are viewing to ensure they're all on task. And, teachers can pause trips at any time, pipe in sounds to make the experience more realistic, and let their students go off on their own expeditions once they're ready. All of this and more is possible with the RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 systems! If you have any questions about these solutions, please feel free to contact us. And, to place an order or request a quote, click below to get started. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more.
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