Using 360 Degree Media and Spherical Projection Technologies to Create an Immersive Experience.

Cameras capable instantaneous 360 degree still and video images are becoming more readily available. Viewing these images is lagging behind the viewing technologies, but applications and headgear are now available to enable the use of this technology for use in instructional materials, extension materials and for research documentation. Some of these uses are reported own and demonstrated. Through the use of scripting, the images can be developed into interactive immersive field trips. Images are also useful for recording entire fields that can be explored. Single photos taken instantaneously can capture a complete 360 degree image. Because the image is captured at one time there is no ghosting nor missing objects common when stitching multiple images. Sufficient light is necessary to prevent blurring due to a slow shutter speed. Some of the uses explored are how to incorporate these images into instructional materials that are accessed through Moodle. Online services that can store and share the images are compared. For viewing the images, Google Cardboard is an inexpensive approach that is very economical for individuals to experience an immersive viewing of images.