360-Degree Videos Give Students Immersive Access Career Exploration
Ever wonder what it looks like working behind-the-scenes at a zoo, museum, or TV studio? Would you consider a career as a physiotherapist, foreman or legal adviser?
The Learning Partnership—a charity dedicated to supporting, promoting and advancing publicly funded education in Canada—has launched a series of 360° virtual reality videos to help students explore career opportunities in a variety of fields. The videos take students and teachers on an immersive tour of workplaces across the country.
An extension of The Learning Partnership’s Take Our Kids to Work Day, taking place on November 2 this year, the video series is designed to give students a taste of unique and varied work environments as they contemplate future career paths.
“Take Our Kids to Work Day is the biggest and best known career readiness program in Canada,” says Jan Courtin, National Director of Student Programs at The Learning Partnership. “We are excited to be able to enhance this experiential learning experience and bring unique opportunities to students across the country.”
Each 360° video can be viewed online via YouTube from any computer with Internet access. Users are also able to experience immersive viewing on their mobile phones using affordable virtual reality headsets such as Google Cardboard.
“With the use of VR technology, students are no longer limited to experiencing jobs available in their area,” Courtin said. “Our library of immersive videos allows them to explore a variety of careers and workplaces from any location. These videos are designed to supplement teaching resources and help students make informed decisions when it comes to their career planning.”
Since 1993, more than 6.5 million students have participated in The Learning Partnership’s programs.