Introduction to Immersive Journalism
The immersive space of virtual reality, cinematic VR, and augmented reality is journalism’s newest and most fun reporting and storytelling tool. At Stanford, a course has been taught since 2017 that focuses on using these tools to create immersive journalism experiences.
The Course: Immersive Journalism
The course, Comm 280: Immersive (VR/AR) Journalism within the Public Sphere, has evolved over time to an examination of “prolonged reality” – otherwise often known as XR – journalism and nonfiction. This yr, with support from the Center for Teaching and Learning, students worked on team projects utilizing cutting-edge 360-degree immersive cinema tools and spatial audio, and joined a workshop to turn into conversant in AR tools and capturing 3D models.
Tools and Technology
The Center for Teaching and Learning supported the course’s academic technology needs through its iPads for Teaching and Learning program. This program provided students with LiDAR-capable Apple iPad Pros, that are crucial for scanning and creating 3D models for AR projects. The instructor, Geri Migielicz, first contacted the iPads for Learning Program in 2013, using iPads to capture and edit short videos. This yr, students used the iPad Pros to scan objects and spaces, after which added text, audio, and actions to create AR experiences.
Student Projects
With the iPads provided, the scholars got an project to scan an object or a small space that had a story related to it. They used the free Polycam app on the iPad Pros to get quick and accurate 3D scans. The students scanned every part from objects to one another and full rooms, comparable to the audio journalism lab. Next, the category worked with XR storyteller Dane Christensen so as to add text, audio, and actions to their 3D models to create AR experiences.
The Outcome
The 3D models will be viewed and manipulated on the SketchFab account of Peninsula Press, the news site for the Stanford Graduate Program in Journalism at Stanford University. The iPads for Teaching and Learning program investigates how using iPads can impact teaching, learning, and research within the service of specific goals. For COMM 280, the specially configured iPad Pros were the correct technology to assist students begin to learn the techniques of leading-edge AR experiences in journalism.
The Role of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Academic technology specialists within the Center for Teaching and Learning partner with faculty and instructors specifically to advance creative, effective, and exciting recent possibilities like this one. Whether you might be occupied with using iPads or have one other technology format in mind to your teaching – or simply wish to explore what’s possible – reaching out to the Center for Teaching and Learning is an excellent place to begin.
Getting Started with iPads for Teaching and Learning
IPads for individual use by faculty, instructors, or TAs will be requested any time. Proposals for multiple iPads are due once per quarter. Full details can be found on the iPads for Teaching & Learning page on the Center for Teaching and Learning website.
Conclusion
The use of immersive journalism tools, comparable to virtual reality and augmented reality, is becoming increasingly popular in the sphere of journalism. With the support of programs just like the iPads for Teaching and Learning, students and instructors can explore the chances of those tools and create recent and exciting experiences. As technology continues to evolve, it can be interesting to see how immersive journalism develops and changes the best way we eat news and knowledge.
