MultiMedia: An InDepth Guide for Teachers
Copyright 2002 Regina Public Schools and Saskatchewan Learning

To mention the term Virtual Reality can leave people conjuring up quite a few different "takes" on just what is meant. One could rightly consider such things as special effects, 3D animation, computer games and the like as Virtual Reality experiences.

In this case VR refers to the creation of an experience where the user has the feeling of being immersed or located in a real place. The essence of panoramic or immersive imaging lies in its ability to evoke a sense of place whether derived from a real location or an imaginary one. As the old saying goes " A picture is worth a thousand words", so how much is an immersive image worth? Depending on your creativity and insight likely quite a lot.

Here is a brief synopsis of what's here.

Overview
This provides a quick look at the basics of immersive imaging, what they are and what you need to get started in making one.

Hardware
This section provides a detailed look at the essential equipment and offers some recommendations on cameras and related equipment.

Software
There is a host of possible software combination involved in creating and displaying immersive images. This section discusses a simple selection of such software, but also provides some insight into more sophisticated software. It's main focus is on Canon's PhotoStitch software.

Guides (Tutorials)
Here you will find a step by step guide or tutorial for creating your first immersive images using Canon's inexpensive but excellent PhotoStitch software. Other software options will also be discussed cussed.

Curriculum Integration
This section demonstrates how immersive images can be incorporated or integrated into course work. Native Studies is used as an area of study for this demonstration.

Web Integration
Here you will find information on how to share your immersive images via the Internet.

Plug-ins
A discussion of software that is required for viewing of Immersive Images.

File Formats
This section provides information on various file types for use with VR Immersive Images.

 



This area of the Multimedia project provides an introduction to the ideas and concepts of panoramic or immersive imaging as well as object imaging. You will have the opportunity to learn how immersive imaging might be useful for you, how you and your students might create such images, and how they can be used in an educational capacity. It is designed to be an introduction with some additional information or leads to more sophisticated approaches to immersive images.

Quicktime is the basic media format that is used throughout this section of the Grassroots site. You can obtain the latest version for Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000 or XP
or Macintosh 7.5.5/8/9/* from Apple

 |

*The new Mac OS X has the latest Quicktime in the system.