Virtual reality is steadily moving into classrooms, thanks to its affordability and the host of resources it provides for the curriculum. As more content is produced, teachers are becoming increasingly intrigued as to how to use it to supplement the lesson plan. A primary focus of this has been to search for existing apps that will help achieve learning objectives.
However, virtual reality also affords hands-on opportunities to promote creativity and self-expression in students. One of the most dynamic ways this can be achieved is by giving students the chance to design, build, and share their own virtual reality environment. Keep reading for ideas on how to create virtual reality content in the classroom!
360-Degree Panoramas
One of the simplest ways for students to develop their own virtual reality expedition is with apps that let them create 360-degree panoramas, such as Google Street View. This app grants students the opportunity to engage with environments outside of their classroom by letting them to create 360-degree panoramas of any location or landmark.
Using these panoramas gives students the ability to gather information and make inferences about the environment at hand. Students also have the option to share these expeditions with their peers, which provides a dynamic way to present research findings and will help encourage classroom discussion. To use Google Street View in your classroom, all you need is the app, a device to use with it, and a viewer to interact with the final product!
Follow these steps with Google Street View:
360-Degree Films
Students can go beyond passive viewing by creating and producing their own virtual reality films using 360-degree video technology. These cameras shoot from all angles at once, producing 360-degree media that lets you see in every direction at once. Using this technology allows students to capture immersive simulations of their own environment, which they can choose to modify based on the learning objective.
Putting this technology at the hands of learners also allows them to personalize their learning and challenges them to cultivate new technology and critical thinking skills. For example, in the 360 Filmmakers Challenge, high school students were invited to use virtual reality to engage with an issue they cared about. The aim was threefold: to share their communities, to inspire action for change, and spur learning. Notably, these goals have the potential to reach beyond the classroom walls, which suggests that virtual reality learning has powerful implications outside of schools too. One of the facilitators of the 360 Filmmakers Challenge, Digital Promise, has developed a helpful guide to getting started with 360-degree filming.
Tools Necessary for 360-degree Films:
Available 360-degree Editing Software:
Why Not Start Now?
The immersive nature of virtual reality helps engage students and provide meaning to their learning experiences. Allowing students to creat their own content not only inspires creative thinking, but it also introduces a whole array of new techniques that can be used to achieve learning goals. Content creation takes the one step further by giving students the reigns, so give it a shot! Not sure where to start? Check out my previous blog post on Getting Started with Classroom Virtual Reality for helpful insight on how you can begin integrating virtual reality into your classroom.
Get More Cost-Effective Charging and Storage for Your Devices
JAR Systems has developed a wall-mountable charging station. Designed to be different, this versatile solution is both simple and affordable. For just $295.00, schools can get the Essential 16 Charging Station and achieve individual security and charging for 16 devices. Request more information today on testing the Essential 16 Charging Station in your organization free for 30 days!
Click below to learn more about the Essential 16 Charging Station and request more information or a quote!