Have you tried out 360° video with students? Panoramic images and 360° video are becoming increasingly popular media. You’ve probably seen someone post a panoramic image on Facebook showing off their last trip to the beach or a school field trip. One of the first times I snapped and posted a panoramic image was a trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (see it here). These type of images are great because you can spin around and see a location from different angles, however 360° video takes this experience to another level.
360° videos are filmed with a special camera that records video footage from all angles while keeping sound intact. This means when you press play on a 360° video you can hear the action taking place and spin your device in different directions to see the scene from different angles. When paired with a virtual reality headset like Google Cardboard, this immersive experience is powerful.
360° Videos from National Geographic
The folks at National Geographic have a handful of fantastic videos. You can use them in your classroom in many subject areas. This includes viking adventures to monarch butterflies. When you visit their YouTube channel you can see a selection of these 360° videos. You’ll want to make sure that you are using a compatible web browser and you may want to pick up a Google Cardboard (for under $10) on Amazon too.
Depending on your learning goals for students, a trip to a glow worm cave in New Zealand might connect with your next read aloud. It can give background knowledge for students. A video can also extend a conversation around informational text. Alternatively, you might decide to take students on a Viking adventure if you’re studying this period in history class.
Take a look at this super fun list of 360° Videos from National Geographic that is sure to inspire your students as you design learning experiences with virtual reality!
