Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technology that uses virtual reality or multi-projected environments, sometimes in combination with physical environments or props, to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that stimulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual or imaginary environment.

A person using virtual reality equipment is able to “look around” the artificial world, and with high quality VR move around in it and interact with virtual features or items. The effect is commonly created by virtual reality headsets consisting of a head-mounted display with a small screen in front of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designed rooms with multiple large screens.

360 degree VR-learning

VR Lessons by ThingLink is a collection of interactive, 360° image and video journeys on a variety of topics including science, language, and arts. It’s a repository of interactive lessons and visuals that cover all these topics.

ThingLink is bringing the immersive world of interactive virtual reality to your classroom. Students and teachers explore and build 360° projects that take them as far as their imaginations can reach.

During the LET class I got the change to experience one of the lessons myself by using an iPad. Here you can see a picture from me when I’m looking at a 360° view of the world map.

Educational use

360 degree VR-learning is starting to take the technological reins in the education sector.

Just like when standard video was introduced to the classroom, 360˚ video allows learners to make better connections with their learning by providing concrete, visual explanations and examples. 360˚ video makes it an even more immersive video experience and allows the learner to engage with their surroundings.

360˚ videos basically act as personal fieldtrips. The teacher is able to transport their students on a 360 VR trip to a place or set of places that would otherwise be inaccessible to their class. Resources such as Discovery VR’s 360˚ video library are powerful ways for a teacher to augment their lessons and raise engagement.

“Exploring a distant planet, travelling through the inside of a human body, and walking alongside a dinosaur are just some examples of experiences that take learning to new heights.”

“VR experiences and 360° video have the capacity to enhance the understanding of historical context, geographical setting, scientific discovery and empathy in education.”

Like all new technologies, there is a danger that it’s perceived as just a novelty which is used because it might be fun, rather than a serious educational reason for doing so. A big challenge is also the expense. Another aspect to consider is the age and type of immersive experience you introduce to learners.

On this website you can find educational virtual reality apps that might be useful for in your class.

Google Expedition

Imagine exploring ciral reefs or the surface of Mars in an afternoon. With Expeditions, teachers can take students on immersive, virtual journeys. It gives you so much options when using this in the classroom.

After we explored the Google Expeditions Tutorial we were ready run the lesson. We installed the Google Expedition application on Ward his phone and got Cardboard VR-classes. We played several games and classes by using this app. We were able to hike mountains, fly in the air, discover space…

Annotating 360 materials (editors)

ThingLink’s editor for 360° and VR Content allows you to bring a fully unique and immersive interactive experience directly to your audience.

What is possible to do with ThingLink VR editor?

• Translate existing (remix) or nex 360 photo into an interactive 360/VR lesson
• Annote 360 images with text, photos, audio, and video
• Embed Google Forms, maps and other 3rd party tools in 360 photos

I remixed my own learning material from the excisting 360 material. Since we weren’t able to upload our 360° photo, I choose for an excisting one of a the inside of house. Here you can find pictures, videolinks… to all the learning materials I created.

ThingLink is very user friendly. It’s something interesting to use in class. Students could collect all their learning material of a specific theme or class in a 360° picture.

Shooting 360 pictures/ videos

Ricoh Theta S camera shoots everything in 360 degrees. A spherical image or movie can be easily taken in one shot. The camera can be freely moved and viewed 360 degrees, and edited and shared.

We took some 360° photos but couldn’t upload them fully. We do have these pictures which give you an idea of what it looks like:

Unfortunaterly we had some technological issues to create a learning material. We tried to figure out why it wasn’t working but we couldn’t solve the problem and the class was about to end.

BB8

BB-8 is a droid character in the Star Wars franchise. Sphericial with a free-moving domed head, BB-8 is portrayed by both a rod puppet and a remote-controlled robotic unit.

BB-8 recognizes and reacts to your voice. You can drive or let him explore surroundings. It’s a Star Wars droid that you can control from your smartphone or tablet.

During the last class we had the chance to explore B8 ourselves. It was so suprising when it suddenly came to live! Amazing how you can control it or let it explore the room itself.