Google Cardboard for a K-12 Social Studies Module

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging possibility for delivering educational content and experiences to students. To make VR a viable solution, this research study examined Google Cardboard as a low-cost 3D viewer in conjunction with a provided smartphone. The purpose of the instructional design project was to develop a module within a learning management system (LMS) and to gather affective domain research data on student perceptions of students in grade 9, who utilized a Google Cardboard device to view content for a high school social studies class at a Hawai‘i Public Charter School. This study included an even mix of male and female students, representing a cross section of demographics of Hawaiʻi. As participants, they participated in a learning module about World War II, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Google Cardboard was used to show students a 360° video of the flight path of some of the Japanese bombers used on December 7th, 1941.

A post survey, used John Keller’s ARCS model of motivational design theories, in gathering data on attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. The majority of the students reported they had no prior experience with Google Cardboard, which made for an neural start for everyone. The results indicated that the majority of students enjoyed using the VR device, would like to see it used in other content areas, and would most likely teach friends and family members about Google Cardboard. This initial study opens the door for further examining bring your own device opportunities with curriculum enhancements using VR technologies.