Sphere

To download on an Apple iOS device:

• Go to the App Store
• Search "Sphere"
• Find "Sphere-360º Photography"
• Click download
• Sign in with Facebook, Google account or create a new account
• Start using app

To download on an Android device:

• Go to GooglePlay
• Search "Sphere"
• Find "Sphere-360º Photography"
• Click download
• Sign in with Facebook, Google account or create new account
• Start using app

Pros:

• Available for Apple & Android devices
• Allows students to look at panoramas of other parts of the world
• Enhances lessons

Cons:

• Only accesible on some devices
• Students would have to create an account
• Can take long to download content

FAQs:

• What Apple devices can I access this app on? The following devices support this feature: iPhone 4s, 5, 5c, 5s, and the iPod Touch 5th gen. (w/ rear-facing camera).
• What Android devices can I access this app on? The following devices support this feature: any Android 4.1 and up.
• Does this app have a Copyright Policy? Yes, and you can visit it here: http://inside.thesphere.com/copyright
• Does this app have a Privacy Policy? Yes, and you can visit it here: http://inside.thesphere.com/privacy
• Will I lose my images if my account is terminated? If your account is terminated, all of your content will be deleted.
• Can I upload and manage my content? If you have existing content that you're ready to upload or manage, you can upload and manage using Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Helpful info on how to incorporate this app in the classroom:

• https://edtechtimes.com/2013/10/25/sphere-app-takes-classroom-learning-next-level/
• http://classtechtips.com/2015/05/28/sphere-360-for-panoramic-picture-taking-and-exploration/
• http://www.jar-systems.com/blog/creating-virtual-reality-content-in-the-classroom

Sample lessons using this app:

Lesson 1: 2nd grade Social Studies

• 2.2.4 Identify major geographical features in the local region, state, and country.

Using the Sphere app on iPad devices, students will find a 360º virtual tour of their region from a helicopter. In groups, students will discuss their country, region and particular state. Students will also locate water and land.

Lesson 2: Kindergarten Social Studies

• K.3.7 Describe how people live differently in other places using various sources.

Using the Sphere app, the teacher will locate and show students a virtual tour in a town in the country of France. Students will have a class discussion and discuss what is different in France from the United States. The teacher will create a chart on the SMART board to compare and contrast France and the United States.

http://www.airpano.ru/files/Loire-Chateaux-France-3/2-2

*** Virtual field trips would be effective in the classroom. If the class takes a real field trip, the app can be used to take panoramas to share with students who were absent from the field trip. ***

***A virtual tour of a school building would be effective to share with new students who are not familiar with the building, or to share with students on the first day of school.***