by Jeanne Aimerie, UbiCast, France.
In the dynamic world of higher education, finding new ways to enhance learning experiences, foster engagement, and meet the evolving needs of learners and educators with new technologies is more crucial than ever. Among these innovations, 360° video has emerged as a versatile and impactful tool for teaching.
Once a novel curiosity, 360° video has evolved into a powerful medium that offers immersive, interactive experiences. Let’s explore together how 360° video can shape the future of education by engaging students, empowering educators, and advancing digital innovation!
What Is 360° Video? 🤔
First of all, let’s define this innovative technology! A 360° video is an immersive media format that captures an environment from every angle, providing viewers with a panoramic perspective. Unlike traditional videos, this format invites active exploration: viewers can adjust their angle of view, immersing themselves in the scene as if they were physically present.
To create 360° videos, specialised cameras with multiple lenses capture the surroundings, and the footage is stitched together using software. Platforms like YouTube or the educational platform Nudgis by UbiCast make these videos accessible, whether viewed thanks to the player or through VR headsets for complete immersion.
Why 360° Video is a Good Idea 👍
360° video offers unique benefits for both students and educators! Here’s why this technology is worth integrating into educational strategies:
- Boosting engagement and understanding
360° video transforms passive learning into an interactive journey. Students can virtually explore historical landmarks, observe complex scientific processes, or step into simulations that mimic real-world scenarios. This interactivity naturally sparks curiosity and enhances understanding across diverse subjects since it is always more efficient to “live an experience” than study a topic using a book or presentation slides.
- Conducting safe and cost-effective simulations
Conducting practical exercises in fields like healthcare, engineering, or environmental science often involves logistical challenges. 360° video mitigates these barriers by enabling risk-free, cost-effective simulations. What is more, thanks to this technology, students can immerse themselves in environments that are difficult to access (operating rooms for example).
- Improving memory retention
Immersive learning fosters memorable experiences that are more impactful and easier to recall compared to traditional teaching methods. These immersive moments often leave a strong imprint on students’ memories.
When reflecting on a 360° video, students can vividly recall visual and emotional elements, which helps them retain and comprehend information more effectively. This improved retention is especially beneficial for subjects that demand long-term knowledge retention, like history or science.
- Adapting to varied learning styles
Each student learns differently—some excel with visual aids, others prefer auditory input, while some thrive through hands-on activities. 360° video caters to this diversity by delivering a multisensory experience. Visual learners are engaged through rich, immersive visuals, auditory learners can absorb information via real-time audio commentary, and kinesthetic learners benefit from interactive elements, such as navigating the environment with a VR headset, boosting both understanding and engagement.
- Saving lesson preparation
Educators can use pre-existing 360° videos to enrich their lessons without the need to create content from scratch. This approach minimises preparation time and enables them to dedicate more energy to facilitating discussions, mentoring students, and providing personalised feedback.
- Enhancing teaching skills
In the modern education landscape, where proficiency in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is becoming essential, knowing how to teach using 360° video represents a significant advantage. Incorporating this skill into curricula clearly positions teachers as innovative leaders in the education sector.
Several Types of 360° Videos in Education 🎮
- Demonstration Videos
Highlight complex processes, such as machinery operations in engineering or experimental procedures in science, through detailed immersive content. It enables students to understand complex concepts that may be challenging to convey through text or static images.
- Virtual Tours
Enable learners to explore locations like archaeological sites, research labs, or cultural landmarks, enriching courses in geography, history, and the arts for example. 360° video can also be used to conduct virtual tours in the case of a university’s open house.
- Interactive Simulations
Allow students to practice real-world scenarios, such as crisis management or technical skill development, in a secure, controlled and engaging virtual environment. For instance, in science education, a 360° video can lead students through detailed lab experiments or intricate surgical techniques.
Conclusion 🪄
360° video is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for rethinking how we teach and learn! Its ability to immerse learners, engage them and improve their capacity to learn makes it indispensable for modern higher education.
As creation tools become more accessible and distribution platforms increasingly adaptable, now is the perfect time for educators to explore the transformative potential of 360° video.
Why not start today and see how 360° video can redefine your educational landscape?
Author
Jeanne Aimerie, Digital Marketing & Communications Officer, UbiCast, France.
