360 Virtual Reality on Chrome

     Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, and Samsung's Gear VR all offer an interactive experience allowing students to explore worlds in an immersive environment. The downside to this new technology is the cost associated with purchasing the necessary equipment. Even Google Cardboard, which in itself is affordable requires a $300 device inside of it to work.
     For those with Android devices, one work around was the 360 video option inside the Youtube app. This let you interact with 360 videos even without a virtual reality lens set up. For those without an Android phone, there's good news. Certain 360 videos now offer the same interaction similar to Google Maps Street View. You need to use the Chrome browser to do this as it will not work on other browsers. Start one of the videos below and start interacting with the navigation tool on the upper left of the screen.

Will We Swipe Devices in the Future?

     One of the amazing things about technology is the rapid pace of development. We are seeing emerging technologies develop and become real life tools at a far faster rate than ever before. Just five years ago, iPads and other tablets were amazing tools that were engaging students in ways that were not happening a decade ago. It's exciting to think where we might be with technology in the next five years.
     The future may indeed come sooner with Google's Project Soli. This latest piece of technology uses a chip as small as a fingernail and radar to track precise motions made by human hands. Project Soli eliminates the need to control devices without physically touching them, which means we may no longer be swiping or tapping our screens.
     It's amazing to think of the educational digital tools that might stem from Project Soli and what teachers and students may create. What are some ways Project Soli could be used inside classrooms to further student engagement and empower teachers?

YouTube Ditches Busy Menu

    Have you recently opened the YouTube app only to see a new menu? YouTube is ditching the "hamburger" menu design for something easier and much more streamlined. If you have an android device, try opening the YouTube app to see if you have the updates. It should look like this:

    Those icons? Home, Trending, Subscriptions, and your Profile are spread across the top with the "cast" option and search "glass" right above it. In the previous material redesign, the side bar menu had at least 17 different items so this new layout is welcome change.
     Not every device has the update so be sure to check the Play Store to see if you need to update the app directly since the APK hasn't been released.

Time for Camp!

     Hot dogs, barbecues, swimming, and days off from school. Summer vacation is in full swing across the country and it's important that we help our students stay engaged and active in their learning even if they're not sitting in the classroom. Starting next week, kids can attend Camp Google, an online camp designed to get kids exploring and learning with a wealth of resources. Watch the video below for more information:

Camp is split up into four themed weeks and will require some basic household products to be collected before the activity. Parents may want to check out the required materials beforehand to make sure everything is prepped and ready to go. Although the activities are for kids, it is recommended that they work with their parents, sharing in the learning. As kids complete the activities for each week, they earn one of the digital badges shown below:

    Students can start attending camp next week July 13th and do not need Google accounts to
participate. If you're ready to get started, click HERE for more information.

    If you are near an Apple retail store, Apple is also providing summer workshops for kids. The three day workshops will give students a chance to bring their imaginations to life as they create movies or interactive books using their own illustrations and sound effects. Each workshop also ends with an Apple Camp Showcase so campers can share their creations. To check for your nearest location, click HERE to sign up.