Veative - Virtual Reality

 Education is constantly expanding due to the incredible benefits of technology. Virtual reality use in classrooms is becoming more popular due to its ability to create interactive and immersive learning experiences. Virtual reality enhances student learning, understanding, and retention. VR can be used in classrooms to simulate real-world scenarios, like science experiments, field trips, or just exploring the world. This provides students with opportunities to learn in ways that are not possible to do in traditional classrooms. 

One virtual reality company I had researched was Veative. Veative provides immersive learning solutions using virtual reality technology for schools and educational programs. Their VR programs come with easy-to-use online classroom and content management systems. With the systems, teachers can view module content for lesson planning, provide VR content modules at the same time and on all students headsets. Teachers can pause or stop the module at any time and monitor in real time what students are seeing. 

Veative’s virtual reality learning experience comprises t
he world’s largest library of curriculum-aligned AR/VR modules for STEM, ELL, and virtual tours. The immersive knowledge resources offered include, K-12 STEM, history and culture, language learning, and higher education. 

Virtual reality programs like the ones provided by Veative, fully immerses students by completely focusing and learning topics. When experiencing lessons in this way, students are able to create clear and detailed mental visions, helping to improve knowledge retention. 

Virtual Field Trip to the San Diego Zoo!

There is so much that our world has to offer. Thankfully with technological advancements, we are able to experience incredible things right from our own home. One of the best ways to do this is through virtual field trips. Virtual field trips provide opportunities to explore nature, historical landmarks, and different cultures through live cameras and virtual reality.

A few weeks ago, I was observing a fifth-grade classroom. Before starting the day’s lesson, the teacher turned on a projector displaying a live feed of an eagle and her newly-hatched chicks. The students and I watched in fascination as the babies struggled to find their balance, lifted their heads, and eagerly accepted food from their mother. It was an incredible experience, showing how technology allows us to witness nature up close.

Coincidentally, my online course has inspired us this week to explore the world through live cameras and virtual reality field trips. As an animal lover, I knew right away that my virtual adventure had to involve wildlife. With so many live streams available, I was excited to find an experience that would bring me closer to animals in their natural habitats. For my virtual field trip, I chose to explore the San Diego Zoo’s live cams. Their website offers both live feeds and pre-recorded videos of various animals living at the zoo. Some of the incredible species you can observe include platypuses, giraffes, tigers, burrowing owls, hippos, baboons, penguins, giant pandas, and apes.

While not all animals were visible on the cameras at the time, which the zoo notes on their website, I was still able to catch some amazing sights. I watched a koala resting in a tree, a baby elephant feeding alongside two large adults, two polar bears lounging together, and a condor sleeping peacefully in its nest. Below are a few screen shots I had taken of the animals that were seen in the live cameras!

One of the best features of the San Diego Zoo’s live cams is that each feed includes links to learn more about the animals and their stories. It was fascinating to not only observe these incredible creatures but also gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors and habitats.

Virtual field trips open up a world of possibilities, allowing us to explore beyond our everyday surroundings. Whether it's observing wildlife, touring famous landmarks, or immersing ourselves in different cultures, these experiences bring learning and wonder to life in ways we never imagined.

Virtual Field Trip - The White House

     For my Virtual Field Trip I decided to Visit the White House. When I was in middle school, for Spring Break my parents took my siblings and I to Washington, DC to visit some of the museums, the White House, and the Washington Monument. 

    I viewed the White House from the outside of the gates and always wondered what the inside looked like and today I got the chance to tour the White House virtually. Not only did I get to see rooms like the Red Room, Blue Room, and Green Room, I also got to see the China cabinet that displays Hayes Dinner Service which carries porcelain dishes that were made for the White House by Haviland and Co. of New York City.  

    Touring the White House in person, especially the inside is not something that is so easily attainable. Given the option to be able to tour the different rooms, inside and outside is so cool and gives us insight on what the inside actually looks like rather than just wondering and wondering.  

    Having the opportunity to integrate virtual field trips in the classroom is honestly such an attention grabbing technique at keeping the children engaged. Many places aren't accessible to the public for many reasons, let alone some students not being able to attend in person field trips, for many other reasons as well. Instead of just counting out all options, we are giving option to be able to explore and keep our minds engaged. 

    Virtual Field trips are not only a great way to just look, but a great way to learn. I noticed another link we were provided was for a virtual field trip for an online Planetarium. Virtual field trips have been opening so many closed doors for us personally and educationally as well. 

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tour

 Today I took a virtual field trip at The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. A perfect summary of the virtual tour comes form the website itself saying, " The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. Visitors can also access select collections and research areas at our satellite support and research stations as well as past exhibits no longer on display." On the site I clicked on "visit" it took me to a page where on the left side a three lined drop down menu was. I clicked on it and all the way at the bottom was a button label virtual tour. It brought me to a page with five different options of tours. The options were: Permanent Exhibits, Current Exhibits, Past Exhibits, Museums Support Center and Research Stations, Narrated Tours. 

Minerals 1 Exhibit 

The first thing I clicked on was Current Exhibits. Here I found what felt like one hundred hyper links to different exhibits within the museum. In an organized alphabetical list the different exhibits that fell under a subcategory. For example I clicked under Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, on the hyperlink "Minerals 1" here it took me to the exhibit where there was case of minerals and it was almost like a video game. There were arrows were you could pick which was you wanted to go next and a 3rd map of the museum! It was actually really cool, it feels like you are at the exhibits. In addition, there is also access to narrated tours of exhibits like the, David H. Koch Hall of Fossils- Deep Time, Human Origins, Objects of Wonders, and Sant Ocean Hall exhibits and a few more! These videos walk you through the exhibits providing information on whatever is being showcased. All in all I really enjoyed the site and see it being useful in the classroom one day! There is so much to see and different learning that can be applied and supported in this virtual tour. 

 

Virtual Tour: Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums showcase a 3D rendition of the various museums and significant locations within the Vatican City. The tours are strictly visual, however that is not much of a problem as you get to view the beautiful art and architecture of some of the Vatican City's most important locations. There are a total of fourteen observable 'museums.' These virtual rooms range from genuine museums such as the Profane Museum to the Sistine chapel and everything inbetween. The many halls and galleries of the Vatican are available for viewing.

The many viewing options of the site

I took a tour around the so called "Raphael's Rooms," which I assumed were dubbed so because Raphael was commissioned to paint and sculpt for the Vatican in those rooms. In the second room I noticed one of, if not Raphael's most famous work, The School of Athens. Raphael's Rooms were beautiful. They are covered in paintings from the walls to the ceilings, and sculptures line the rooms. This is just one of the rooms available for viewing, I imagine the others are of a similar cut of beauty. 

School of Athens(Raphael)

Following my tour of Raphael's Rooms, I moved onto the Sistine chapel, which may be the most visited of all of the Vatican museums. The Sistine Chapel was attended by Michelangelo, who took years(four years) to paint it in its entirety, Most notably, the Chapel ceiling showcases imagery of the book of Genesis, with the creation of Adam in the middle. The image below may look very strained, and it is, however, I believe that the strain showcases just how much paint is covering the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The room really is completely covered by scenes from the Bible and it is quite beautiful.

Sistine Chapel ceiling

Looking through these rooms I couldn't help but think to myself how nice it would be to go and visit the Vatican, so see all of these rooms, halls, galleries, and chapels in person. however, I begun to think that in person these places would be MOBBED! While I still would like to visit the Vatican, this site allows for the viewer to not have to worry about hundreds of people taking away from the moment and clogging space. Through this site, many people all over the world have access to the beautiful and stunning art of the many museums of the Vatican without the crowding of being there in person. 

Virtual Tour of the White House

For this virtual field trip, I toured the White House through a 360 degree interactive experience. This tour provided a unique chance to explore the rooms and halls of one of the most iconic buildings in the history of the US.

During the virtual tour I was able to explore rooms such as the Red Room and the State Dining Room. While exploring these rooms I could interact with a variety of points where I could read information about the different rooms and the decorations throughout the building. This was a nice touch that you would not be able to experience in a regular tour. There is so much information contained in this tour that it would probably take someone days just to read it all. The information is also not confined to text, as there are also many informational videos you can view about the different rooms throughout the tour.

 Another unique aspect of this tour that I enjoyed was the way you could view the space. You are provided options to view the rooms from the perspective of a person at your own pace, or on a set tour. You can also view the White House in sections as if you were looking at a doll house with separate floors to view from unique angles that could not be seen anywhere else.

For anyone that is interested in the history of the White House or the United States I highly recommend taking this virtual tour to experience it yourself. You can find this tour here, Tour the White House in 360 Degrees. This interactive experience offers a deeper look at one of the most important buildings in the U.S., making it an engaging way to learn about its history.

Virtual Field Trip: Stellarium Web

Virtual Field Trip: Stellarium Web

On Stellarium the website, you are greeted with a stunning view of stars and planets. Why leave the house when you can take a virtual field trip? On this website, you’re able to view many constellations, planets, and stars that add to the scenery. Due to its interactive nature, you’re also able to touch any of the dots in the night sky, and it will give you more information about it. It even tracks satellites as well! They offer the site to be navigated like a reversed globe, giving you the North, West, South, and East directions on the screen for your convenience. 

Not only this, but near the bottom of the screen, there are different viewing options to look through, such as atmosphere, landscape, and even constellation art. By clicking on any of these options, it changes your view to show a better representation of what you're looking for! This website is amazing to show kids within the classroom, offering them a virtual field trip, while they research what speaks to them. 

Virtual Field Trips with Discovery Education

    Not every child is fortunate enough to be able to participate when it comes time for field trips. I remember being a child and being so excited the days we would go on field trips and having to watch certain students be sent to other classes with work to do for the day because they were not able to go. Whether it's due to students not being able to particiapte financially or if the parents just don't want the child going due to their own personal views, it's never fun to be left out espeically while watching all of your friends excited to go have fun. 

     

    Discovery Education has created an opportunity to ensure all children can participate in fun classroom activities and create a small break in "traditional learning". Granted the virtual field trips aren't going to be all day like in person trips would be, but it takes time in the class for the students to learn about differnt topics, and interact in the same ways during a field trip. I watched the virtual field trip, Night Navigators: Build for Bats and they were being extremely informative and used different ways to draw the children in. Not only did they learn, they also used play with legos and how to build a change to protect the bats.

https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/

    In the future when I have my own classroom, I will 100% be utilizing materials such as Discovery Education to bring some fun into my classroom. Truth be told, not every child is going to enjoy coming to school everyday and learning the basic skills of reading and math. Implementing fun activities such as Discovery Education, and hands on learning and play is a great way to keep the students engaged and keep their want to come to school, to come to my class.

    Not only does Discovery Education have the perks of no permission slip field trips, the program is free to use for both students and teachers. Students have access to games, videos, labs, lesson plans, homework help, and many more activities. Many schools provide students with iPads, or laptops for classroom use and at home use. Discovery Education is a great program to create accounts for the students to use for extra learning, not only could it be used to assign work to be completed, it can be viewed as "fun work" to be completed. I would probably use Discovery Education for not only their virtual field trips but also for centers, this would be a great program to use for student learning.