Google Expeditions Adds Augmented Reality for Classrooms

Image Credit: Google.

At Google’s annual developer conference this week, Google I/O 2017 (May 17-19), the company revealed plans to bring augmented reality (AR) to its immersive education platform Google Expeditions.

The upcoming Expeditions AR mode harnesses Google’s Tango AR platform, which uses Visual Positioning Service (VPS) technology to map indoor locations. With a Tango-compatible device, such as the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, the camera will utilize VPS to recognize specific objects and landmarks. Expeditions AR will enable students to see 3D models of objects like volcanoes, DNA molecules and more up close in a virtual environment.

Expeditions AR lessons will be available to schools this fall through a Pioneer Program. Interested teachers, administrators and other individuals can sign up now.

Just two years ago at I/O, the company unveiled Google Expeditions for the 2015-16 school year as part of an effort to bring low-cost, virtual field trips to the classroom. The company said that more than 2 million students worldwide have experienced virtual reality in Expeditions with Google Cardboard.

To see how Expeditions AR could be used in the classroom, watch the video below.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • laptop with digital productivity and calendar symbols

    September 2025 Tech Tactics in Education Conference Agenda Announced

    Registration is free for this fully virtual Sept. 25 event, focused on "Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation" in K-12 and higher education.

  • computer science classroom featuring a desktop setup with code on the screen, a large wall display with charts, and a labeled book on a clean desk

    McGraw Hill Expands CTE Offerings

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced a host of new career and technical education courses, designed to help learners gain professional, technical, and academic skills for workforce success.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • ClassVR headsets

    Avantis Education Launches New Headsets for ClassVR Solution

    Avantis Education recently introduced two new headsets for its flagship educational VR/AR solution, ClassVR. According to a news release, the Xcelerate and Xplorer headsets expand the company’s offerings into higher education while continuing to meet the evolving needs of K–12 users.