Online learning is reshaping education, offering unmatched accessibility and flexibility for learners worldwide. Even so, people aren’t too keen on how passive it is (most of the time).
Let’s face it: talking to a camera in your room while trying to figure out what your teacher’s trying to say over bad audio is not the ideal way to learn. Neither is watching pre-recorded videos and scrambling to find answers to the things you don’t understand.
Sure, online learning encourages self-study and self-sufficiency, but there are times when you wish you could just turn to your colleague and simply ask, “What did he say?”.
But you know what? The passive aspect of online learning may soon be a thing of the past. Due to the tech behind the well-known real estate virtual tours, we may soon be able to have genuinely interactive online classes.
Did we pique your interest? Read on to learn more!
Virtual Tours and The Technology That Made It Happen
Virtual tours are dynamic, interactive, 360-degree visual environments that allow users to explore spaces as if they were physically there.
This technology is very useful for realtors and homeowners who want to sell their property without hassle. It creates a virtual replica of the space and allows interested buyers to inspect every nook and cranny online using their browser.
To learn more about the tech behind these virtual tours, we had a chat with a Giraffe360 representative. We learned there are three key technologies behind a well-designed tour:
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- A smart 360-degree camera: The camera captures (scans) the space from every angle, creating a fully immersive view of a location.
- AI Integration: All the visuals are automatically edited with the help of AI to recreate a virtual, walkable replica of the property. The software also removes personal details (like family photos, number plates, and so on) and unwanted reflections.
- Remote streaming: The owner or realtor can share a remote viewing call with anyone interested. This way, the viewer gets the full tour experience without ever stepping on the property.
How to Apply Virtual Tour Technology to Online Education
Ok, virtual tours work wonders in real estate, but how does that help online education?
Good question! The answer is simple: we steal the idea and apply it to an educational context to reduce the lack of engagement.
For instance, teachers could use the technology to create virtual tours of ancient Rome. Sure, we can’t use the camera to scan buildings and areas that don’t exist anymore, but the AI software can piece together any existing visuals.
Once the tour is ready, the teacher simply shares the link to the class and can take them on a guided tour of the Colosseum or St. Peter’s Basilica.
The same is true for geography lessons. Students could visit the areas while learning about them. It’s a more engaging way of teaching and learning than simply using a map.
Science lessons can also become interactive when students can watch experiments unfold from a first-person perspective. They might observe chemical reactions up close, view intricate cellular structures, or even “step inside” complex machines – all from their devices.
Live virtual classrooms could also transform collaboration. Imagine attending class in a 3D space where you can turn toward classmates for discussions as if sitting next to them in real life. This encourages active participation and fosters connection despite physical distance.
Wrap Up
Immersive technologies, such as virtual tours, can bridge the gap between knowledge and experience. They make abstract lessons tangible, spark curiosity, and foster active participation.
By embracing this innovation, educators can create a richer, more engaging digital classroom that transforms how students connect with their subjects and each other.