Google s New Pocket Galleries Can Easily Support Field Trips
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gorodenkoff / Getty Images The past two years have made in-person learning (whether in a classroom or in a museum) a larger challenge than before. Building capacities have been reduced, and some students (or classrooms) are limited to remote gatherings. In some cases, a virtual field trip might be the only viable option. But it’s not just the potential for a captive audience that makes Pocket Galleries worth exploring. For example, while an in-person visit offers their own unique experience, a virtual visit can provide more extensive information on a given subject. “I use Google Pocket Galleries with my Title I school,” Russell points out. He said the advantages include “...the depth and breadth of information students can experience, and the motivational aspects, such as the games with points.”
Google’s New Pocket Galleries Can Easily Support Field Trips
VR galleries can’t replace field trips, but can enhance them
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on October 20, 2021 01:36PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming GamingKey Takeaways
Virtual museum and gallery visits carry benefits like zero travel time and no upfront cost, but can’t completely replace viewing these works in person.They can be a decent substitute if an in-person field trip isn’t possible, however.Ultimately, virtual gallery visits are best used as a way to enhance and build upon in-person experiences. monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images Now that Google’s Pocket Galleries are open to a much larger audience, they’ll make great interactive supplemental material for art and history education. What used to be limited to smartphones is now open to everyone with access to the internet, which means more possibilities for educators. Teachers can take entire classes on a virtual tour without having to physically bring everyone to a museum or gallery space. This almost sounds like an alternative to field trips, but it’s not really a substitute for a proper field trip. It’s more of a way to enhance the experience rather than replace it entirely. “Pocket Gallery is immensely helpful with filling in specific gaps in children's (and adults', as well) experiences and learning,” said Dr. William Russell, student recovery and retention specialist, in an email to Lifewire, “This year’s second grade students have never had a normal, uninterrupted school year. Schools face the need to increase student experience and exposure to cultural phenomena without losing time or misallocating budgeted resources.”What It Can Do
Google’s Pocket Galleries can act as an adequate alternative to a real field trip, especially if taking a trip to a museum isn’t possible. They also can become a field trip supplement. It’s true that seeing a digital image is no substitute for seeing something in person, but a digital image in a virtual space is better than nothing, or even possibly better than a flat slideshow.gorodenkoff / Getty Images The past two years have made in-person learning (whether in a classroom or in a museum) a larger challenge than before. Building capacities have been reduced, and some students (or classrooms) are limited to remote gatherings. In some cases, a virtual field trip might be the only viable option. But it’s not just the potential for a captive audience that makes Pocket Galleries worth exploring. For example, while an in-person visit offers their own unique experience, a virtual visit can provide more extensive information on a given subject. “I use Google Pocket Galleries with my Title I school,” Russell points out. He said the advantages include “...the depth and breadth of information students can experience, and the motivational aspects, such as the games with points.”