Google to take Scots pupils on '˜virtual reality school trip'

Tech giant Google is asking schools in Glasgow to register for its free Expeditions programme, which allows pupils to use virtual reality headsets to explore places such as Great Barrier Reef and Edinburgh Castle.

Google aims to allow 170,000 pupils to try its VR project. Picture: Emily Clarke

The California-based firm has already visited educational establishments across the UK, offering students the chance to try out its Google Cardboard VR headsets.

The Expeditions project is part of a broader commitment announced by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, to reach one million students in the UK through the programme, while also supporting teachers by providing training in how best to make the most of technology in the classroom.

“Virtual reality can spark students’ imagination and help them learn about topics like how blood flows through the human body or the impact climate change is having on the Great Barrier Reef, in an engaging and immersive way,” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google.

“We can also take a class through one of our new career Expeditions, which inspires students to think about their future professions by taking a virtual trip to work environments like a hospital operating theatre or behind the scenes at Aston Martin.

“We’ve already received feedback from thousands of teachers in the UK and they believe that Expeditions can improve literacy and writing skills, and help create excitement to complement traditional teaching methods.”

For more information, or to register interest in the programme, visit the Google Expeditions website.