Virtual site visits are not just for lockdowns or fully online teaching – they are fundamental to many subjects at UTS. A 360-degree experience can support effective urban planning, uncover geotechnical aspects of excavation sites and increase familiarity with lab spaces.
A mix of virtual and actual site visits will enrich how students learn. The virtual preview can mentally prepare students for what they may be experiencing once on location. It may also serve as a guided walkthrough of a space when access is limited or restricted.
If you’re considering creating a virtual site visit, here are some examples and advice to help get you started.
360 photo tour: UTS Robotics lab
This example was created with H5P to provide an interactive and informative tour of the UTS Robotics Lab in FEIT.
You can also view the interactive 360 photo tour on the UTS H5P website.
360 Kaltura video: Urban Renewal
This video was created by Gabriela Quintana Vigiola from DAB’s School of Built Environment for Group Project A: Urban Renewal. To create this video, Gabriela asked a colleague to assist with filming so she could act as the guide.
You can also watch the Urban Renewal 360 tour on UTS Kaltura Media Space.
Note that Kaltura 360 functionality only works on Chrome or Firefox browsers – if you can’t interact with the video in this blog, try switching browsers. Also, when uploading your video to Kaltura, you’ll need to tag it with the term ‘360’. For more guidance, see this practical guide.
Photo or video?
360 experiences don’t have to be video. Images work just as well and are sometimes more helpful because of the potential for interactivity via H5P. Here are some pros and cons for both options:
Photo option
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very easy to capture | Sound needs to be recorded separately and requires more post editing if you want to make it interactive |
| Can be made interactive with H5P | Requires you to learn how to use H5P |
| Better for capturing an empty space that you want to zoom in on closer using additional resources |
Video option
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Captures video, audio and light | Requires significant pre-planning |
| An immersive experience of a particular moment | Editing computer power can be a hindrance |
| Great for short clips | You may require an assistant to film if you are presenting to camera |
| Consider the student’s viewing experience (avoid motion sickness). | |
| Requires Kaltura |
Other considerations:
- Is this type of content right for your subject?
- How does it fit in with your existing content in Canvas?
- Try simple steps for added impact such as segmenting, framing and activation
Plan & deliver
Whether you’re going for photo or video, a virtual site experience requires some pre-planning. Ask yourself: what do you want students to experience? If it involves some motion, then video, light and audio are things to consider. If it’s more about navigating a space, aim for a still image with interaction. Either way, find out if you need permission to film in certain locations.
If you’re presenting to camera, you’ll probably require an assistant to capture the action (and potentially edit as well). Consider your editing computer power and be mindful of what it is you’re capturing. You’ll need film with a 360-degree camera – note there are varying degrees of quality with these cameras.
In terms of picture quality, outdoor environments generally produce better quality images and video. If you opt for outdoors, you’ll get better audio quality when you’re wearing a microphone.
Lights, Camera – Action!
Contact the LX Media Team to book a consultation so you can get more advice on whether this approach is right for what you’re trying to achieve and if their 360 camera is available to loan. Your faculty or school may already have access to a 360 camera for learning and teaching projects. The LX.lab’s Insta360 One X2 model also takes photographs and can be used with H5P’s Virtual Tour tool as a way for students to navigate a classroom’s facilities or outdoor environment.