Continued from Part 1 of our Teachers Resouce Guide for Using VR in the Classroom
This month article is the second installment of our Teacher’s VR Resource Guide series packed with information, tips and tricks on how to use virtual reality in your classroom. If you have not seen it already, be sure to check in on Part 1: “Using Virtual Reality in the Classroom – A VR Resource Guide for Teachers”
In today’s digital age, educators are constantly seeking innovative and cost-effective ways to enhance learning experiences. One such resource is 360-degree videos available on YouTube. These videos offer an immersive experience that can transport students to different places and times, providing a deeper understanding of various subjects. Accessible and engaging, 360 videos can be an invaluable tool in the classroom, making learning more dynamic and interactive.
One of the most significant advantages of 360 videos is their accessibility. By simply searching for “360 videos VR” on YouTube, teachers can find a plethora of educational content spanning various topics. This simple search term can unveil a treasure trove of safe educational videos that can be seamlessly integrated into lesson plans. It’s essential to ensure that security protocols are in place to guarantee the safety and appropriateness of the videos being accessed.
YouTube 360 VR Video Recommendations
Below are some recommended 360 videos that can be used as educational resources in different subject areas:
African Slavery
Southern Slavery, Unsanitized
This video offers a raw and honest depiction of the realities of slavery in the Southern United States.
Inside the Slave Quarters at the Owens-Thomas House
A 360° tour inside the historical Owens-Thomas House provides insights into enslaved people’s living conditions.
Modern-Day Slavery & Human Trafficking
Terre des Hommes VR Experience - the story of a 12-year-old child slave in Kenya
This VR experience tells the harrowing story of a child slave in Kenya, highlighting the ongoing issue of child labor.
Inside the horrors of human trafficking in Mexico (360 VR) - BBC News
BBC News provides a 360° view into the dark world of human trafficking in Mexico, offering a stark look at this global issue.
Ghost Fleet VR - Slavery in the Thai Fishing Industry - 360 virtual reality video
This award-winning VR movie exposes the brutal realities of modern-day slavery in the Thai fishing industry.
Diversity
Inside My Head from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
This video provides a first-person perspective of navigating a busy city with Cerebral Palsy, promoting empathy and understanding.
Black History
360 video: How 3 African American businesses survived decades of turmoil
This video takes viewers through significant moments and figures in Black history.
Traveling While Black
This video highlights the troubles with travel as a Black person in a racially-charged world.
WWI
WWI Trench Experience 360 VR
This video immerses viewers in the trenches of World War I, providing a firsthand look at the conditions soldiers faced.
WW1 American Trench Raid and German Counter-Attack in 360°
Experience the American Trench Raid and German County-Attack through this detailed 360° video, bringing history to life.
VR / 360 | Experience the WW1 Christmas Truce in 1914
This video provides a comprehensive exploration of the WWI Christmas Truce.
Fly in a real Fokker WW1 Dr. 1 Triplane
Immerse yourself in World War I with this detailed, experiential VR experience.
Virtually Inside the First Tanks [VR Experience]
Explore the inside of the first tanks.
WWII
Dunkirk VR Experience: Find Yourself On The Shores Of Dunkirk Fighting To Survive
Virtually immerse yourself in the Dunkirk survival experience.
1941 Battle: 360° Reenactment
Step inside the 1941 Battle – an experiential reenactment
Holocaust
Auschwitz-Birkenau: A 360° Virtual Tour
Take a sobering virtual tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most infamous concentration camps of the Holocaust.
Lala 360: Inside a Holocaust Survivor's Story
Hear the powerful testimony of a Holocaust survivor while exploring a 360° view of related historical sites.
Conclusion
360 videos are a remarkable, low-cost resource that can enrich the educational experience. They provide students with immersive and engaging content that can help them understand complex subjects and develop empathy for different experiences and perspectives. Teachers can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment by carefully selecting and integrating these videos into their curriculum. As technology continues to advance, resources like 360 videos will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in education, making learning both accessible and impactful.