360 Visit London virtual tour

I have previously written about the amazing website AirPano and the potential uses of it in the classroom here.   I have also written about 360 video and virtual tours here as I believe they are one of the most engaging ways to inspire writing.

The 360 Visit London virtual tour is a great website which, as you might expect, allows you to take in the sights of some of the capital's most iconic landmarks. 

http://360.visitlondon.com/#

Simply move around the image to see it from all angles before clicking on your desired landmark. 

Your perspective changes depending on the landmark you choose; from the view from the London Eye, to greet level and even inside buildings.

On the right you'll notice an 'information' tab which gives you a brief introduction to the landmark as well as a link to more information.  

On the left you'll see a map of the city to give you a better idea of where you are in relation to the rest of the capital. 

Obviously the website is aimed at tourists but I think it's a perfect way for your children to explore London from your classroom.  They could take screen shots of interesting views and places, follow directions on a trail to see various landmarks, or simply use the site to inspire writing or further research - there is so much potential.  

Have a look and please let me know if you decide to use this site with your children. 

Thanks!

Tom 

@teach_fresh

Using Tim Peake in the classroom

With the release of Star Wars as well as Tim Peake's mission to the International Space Station, the children in my class (and probably yours) are totally obsessed with space.  After watching the launch and signing up to TES's Live Link on the 2nd February (if you haven't done so already make sure you do by clicking here) plus the interest surrounding his space walk today, Tim Peake has already inspired so many children to learn more about space.  We need to tap into that enthusiasm.

The following links all allow you to see what Tim Peake has and will continue to see, as you can virtually explore the ISS, the stratosphere, views of the Earth and much more.  By allowing your children to explore and imagine what life as an astronaut is like, it should inspire them to produce some amazing writing.  Whether it's a diary entry as Tim, a story about a space mission or a description of the views in space, there are so many possibilities and I am sure your children will be enthused and excited.  The following links are also all iPad friendly, so children could even take screen shots to make storyboards, import them into Book Creator or make a slideshow/movie with voice over.  You could even use some of the videos and tours as a green screen backdrop.  There is so much potential. 

Virtual tour of the ISS http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/virtual-tour-iss/

Live stream from the ISS http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/HDEV/

Follow the ISS in real time and see Tim Peake's view live. 

Virtual tour of the Discovery space shuttle http://360vr.com/2012/02/16/discovery-flight-deck_2193/

Whilst this doesn't have as much to do with Tim Peake, it's still a great tour that really gives you an insight into what life as an astronaut is like. 

Stratosphere AirPano http://www.airpano.ru/files/Stratosphere/m-2

Obviously not as high above the Earth as the ISS but this panorama still gives you some brilliant views.

Soyuz rocket launch AirPano http://www.airpano.ru/files/Rocket/m-2

Again, not specifically Tim Peake but still an interesting and engaging panorama. 

NASA interactive content, videos and pictures http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/mmgallery/index.html#.VplATHrfWK2

Lots of brilliant content here, from interactive tours to stunning photographs and videos of recent missions and operations. 

Please let me know if you use any of the ideas here or if you have any that I haven't mentioned!

Thanks, 

Tom

@teach_fresh

 

360 Videos and Virtual Reality

After writing about AirPano recently (you can read that here and @ICTEvangelist's post here) I started to look for more options in terms of 360 videos, virtual reality and virtual tours.  @ICT_MrP recently wrote about using Star Wars 360 videos to write like a Jedi (here) and I think they are a brilliant way to engage children and inspire their creativity in terms of writing.  We always tell children to imagine they are there; this is the easiest way to do that.

However there are some limitations if you want to use an iPad or if you don't have a class set of Google Cardboard headsets!  So this list contains apps which are iPad friendly, free and don't require a headset or signup.  I've tried to put together the most user friendly but also most effective apps I have used so far.  Please let me know if you have used any apps I haven't mentioned!

Kolor Eyes 

This app has so much real-life content and is very easy to use.  Choose a 360 video and then move your device around as though you were using the camera to see all around you for a truly immersive experience.

Google Spotlight Stories 

As the name suggests, this is more narrative based.  This app showcases 360 video stories rather than just settings/experiences.  There are 4 to choose from when you begin but by far the most interesting (for me at least!) is the film Help.  The app is rated 9+ on the AppStore and this particular story is definitely more suited to UKS2.

The video shows an alien crash landing before causing all sorts of destruction.  It really is all action and so inspiring in terms of children being able to describe what they can see as well as add to the narrative.  It really is a great tool and these screenshots don't do it justice. 

360 video 

Another great 360 video app with multiple real-life options, such as touring Christ the Redeemer, skiing or riding a roller coaster.  

Epic Citadel 

Probably the 'original' app in terms of a virtual world that you can just explore and look around without a storyline or characters getting in the way.  

I think almost every school with iPads has seen this app and used it to inspire writing but it still stands out today due to the freedom as well as the quality of the graphics.

The following apps are very similar to Epic Citadel and work in much the same way. 

Castlerama 

Similar setting but slightly darker.  Explore and wander around as you take in the sights and immerse yourself in the surroundings. 

360° Tour for Skyrim 

Some great views here which you can explore via a 360 video tour.  

Epic Zen Garden 

Slightly more limited in terms of wandering around but still a good app with lots of potential for descriptive writing.  

Aquarium VR 

This app allows you to sit at the bottom of the ocean and watch various sea creatures pass you by. 

You also have the option to hear more information about each fish by simply 'gazing' directly at it.  This could lead to some great non-fiction writing too. 

Dino Park VR 

Another virtual reality walkthrough of a land filled with dinosaurs.  

The graphics aren't as impressive as some of the other apps on this list and it definitely isn't as expansive but it's still a fun and engaging idea that works well. 

Lexus Virtual Drive

Experience a race in a Lexus from the relative comfort of the passenger seat! 

As well as being a nice advert for Lexus this app gives you the chance to experience the excitement of a race.  There are not many options here but it definitely does what it says on the tin and does it very well. 

Sphere Vision 

Similar to Kolor Eyes but the video quality isn't as good and there aren't quite as many options.  However it is still deserves a mention here and there are some interesting videos available. 

So there you go!  As I said earlier please let me know if you feel there are notable apps that I have overlooked.  These are just the ones that I/my class have enjoyed using.

Thanks

Tom

@teach_fresh