When I think of emerging technologies I like to also think of something that can actually be used in the foreign language classroom. I have seen 3d printers in action but I can’t see them becoming very useful in the foreign language classroom. Google Cardboard seems to have some features that are of practical cultural use in the foreign language though.

Cardboard, explained in simple terms, is a special cardboard box where you insert your smart phone and that transforms the screen into a 3D virtual reality image. Along with the device, the user will have to download the Cardboard app that features seven different experiences such a fly option on Google Earth, a virtual tour guide, watching a YouTube video on a massive screen, view art exhibits from every angle or even explore a city with the street view option (Lang, 2014, para.12). These features can become very useful in a cultural unit and expose the students to a more realistic, yet authentic environment at the same time. How cool is that to not having to spend the money on a plane ticket but still be able to see the things you want to see?

Without a doubt in mind, I see how this technology can strengthen and tremendously support any cultural activity. It is every language learners’ dream to experience the culture first hand and this brings them a step closer to it without it being the real deal.

Eiffel Tower Street view in Paris

Art Museum Queen’s bedroom in Versailles

Other virtual reality images:

*Nathalie*

Reference

Google images

Lang, B. (2014, July 1). Google: Cardboard is a placeholder, 6,000 kits and 50,000+ App downloads in first week. Retrieved from