In the age of rapid technological changes and digital transformation, education is undergoing a revolution. Traditional teaching methods are enriched with new innovative technologies that provide students contemporary opportunities for learning and development. One of the most notable technologies changing the face of education is 360° interactive learning.
Today, interactive 360° education marks an important advance in the educational field. This learning method not only engages students, but also prepares them for the future by providing them with innovative tools and opportunities for development. New technologies are transforming the way we learn today. With the advent of the interactive 360° educational format, learning has become more fun, more engaging and more effective than ever.
The beginning of VR for education needs
Interactive 360° learning in school and for other educational institutions began its existence around mid-2010, when the first virtual reality (VR) applications and 360-degree videography content were developed.
The first Oculus Rift prototype was created in 2011 by Palmer Luckey (then 18 years old) in his parents' garage in Long Beach, California. Luckey created his own virtual reality headset in 2009, but the 2011 prototype was the first to incorporate key technologies such as geometric pre-distortion and a wide stereoscopic field of view that would define all his subsequent designs. Luckey decided to drop out of college and start Oculus VR, intending to turn his prototype into the world's first mass-produced virtual reality headset.
Later in 2014, Google Cardboard was introduced at the Google I/O 2014 developer conference. As the name suggests, this is a foldable cardboard viewer into which a smartphone is placed. The user can create his own space as a viewer to view simple and accessible components using specifications published by Google or can purchase pre-made ones. To use the platform, users launch Cardboard-compatible mobile apps on their phone, place the phone in the back of the cardboard glasses, and view the content through the lenses. It is, so to speak, a kind of low-cost system for promoting the interest and development of VR applications. The platform was created by David Coz and Damien Henry, French Google engineers at the Google Cultural Institute in Paris. It has been released for the Android and iOS operating systems.
Then came the time when YouTube launched support for 360-degree videos in 2015, allowing users to create and share such video content. This moment is important for the education sector, as it allows the use of 360-degree video in training.
In 2016, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR appeared - two powerful VR platforms that provide a higher degree of immersion and image quality.
When in 2019 Oculus Quest created a portable VR headset providing wireless connection and high quality VR experience, virtual reality became accessible to a larger number of people and learning became more interesting and engaging.
With the development of VR technologies and their availability to the general public, educational institutions and educational content creators have begun to use these tools to create interactive and enriched educational experiences.
Interactive learning in 360° - what is it?
As technology advances, virtual reality skills become increasingly important in terms of preparing learners for the challenges of the future by introducing them to tools and technologies that will be essential in any profession.
360° interactive learning is suitable for various fields such as medicine, engineering, history, art and many more. This method can be applied almost anywhere visual and spatial understanding is required.
360° in medicine
In medical training, students need an understanding of complex anatomical structures and processes. 360° interactive learning provides an opportunity for visual and spatial exploration of the human body, as well as simulation of surgical procedures, improves students' skills in medical sciences.
360° in engineering
In engineering disciplines, an understanding of spatial relationships and structures is essential. 360° interactive learning allows engineers to explore 3D models of machines, buildings and other engineering objects. This facilitates learning and helps design projects by providing a realistic spatial representation.
360° in history
360° interactive learning offers students the opportunity to explore historical places and events. They can immerse themselves in archaeological digs, explore old cities or even participate in historical events through virtual reality. Through VR, history comes alive!
360° in art
Interactive learning in 360° and VR offers the opportunity to explore art galleries, museums and sculptural compositions. Students can see the arts from different angles and immerse themselves in the works, feel the emotion of the artists through the vivid three-dimensional visualization of the works. This method of learning promotes creativity and analysis, encourages creativity and imagination to create new works of art.
Educational institutions and artists can use 360° technology to provide virtual art lessons and training. This method allows students to explore creative processes and improve their skills.
360° technology is transforming the arts, providing a wider range of opportunities for creativity, learning and expression. It expands the boundaries of the arts and provides new ways of connecting between artists and their audiences.
360° in architecture and design
360° interactive learning enables real-time exploration of architectural objects, interior designs and urban environments. This helps students develop their design and conceptualization skills, develop abstract and yet ergonomic thinking for their projects.
360° in astronomy
In astronomy education, students can explore planets, galaxies and astronomical events in 360°. Immersing yourself in outer space and understanding complex astronomical concepts is now extremely attractive and engaging thanks to VR and 360° videos and visualizations.
360° in geography and geology
What can you think of more interesting and engaging than VR in geography and geology education for students? Today, learners explore different regions of the world and geological objects such as volcanoes and earthquakes, can be transported to different parts of the world and learn about their features precisely through modern virtual technologies.
360° in ecology and for the devastation of the environment
Students can explore natural places and the animals in them. This helps understanding the relationship between different species and their environment.
With the help of 360° videos and photos, learners can find themselves in different ecosystems - forests, deserts, oceans and mountains. This allows them to study the different types of plants, animals and climatic conditions characteristic of each ecosystem. They can explore the diversity of marine fauna in the coral reefs or explore the forested mountains with their picturesque landscapes.
Interactive learning can provide simulations of various ecological processes, such as the water cycle, biogeochemical cycles, and population dynamics.
Thanks to VR, understanding the importance of biodiversity and exploring the different types of animals and plants found in different ecosystems is exciting, engaging and responsible. Learners have the opportunity to learn about possible threats to biodiversity and ways to protect endangered species. The impact of human activity on the environment, such as climate change, deforestation, water pollution and other environmental challenges are today a priority for the European Community and a problem we all face!
360° in language learning
Interactive 360° learning offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the language culture. Learners literally have the opportunity, quite authentically and realistically, to participate in thematic conversations and cultural events where they can practice their language skills.
360° in geodesy and cartography
VR and 360° technology provides the opportunity to explore geodetic data and create interactive maps.
The use of 360° technology in surveying, mapping and real estate is becoming a key tool that greatly improves the way land and property information is surveyed, analyzed and presented. The advancement of VR development in these areas is significant because of its potential to transform geospatial data into an integrated and accessible resource.
The technology can also be used to analyze properties. For example, by combining geodetic data with real estate data, brokers will be able to provide more detailed information about properties and their location. These are all possibilities that VR opens doors for!
360° in tourism
360° interactive learning enables virtual tours of tourist attractions and hotels, enabling travelers to choose and plan their trips better.
360° in sports
VR and 360° help simulate training and events, allowing athletes to train and prepare in a virtual environment. Athletes can train and prepare for competitions in real time. For example, soccer players can simulate a soccer match, and tennis players can practice strokes on virtual tennis courts.
New technologies offer spectacular and interactive sports experiences. Fans can watch sports matches or competitions from different angles and choose what to watch during a live event.
Conclusion
So, we see why 360° interactive education gives global access to education. It allows learners and teachers to access textbooks, connect with experts and learners from around the world. This expands the boundaries of education and makes learning accessible to a larger number of people.
Comments