There is no technology today that blurs the line between fiction and reality as Virtual Reality does. The traditional method has been about displaying the content through a medium (screen) and while it has served us quite well for decades, it is time to move on to better things.

Virtual Reality fundamentally enables you to enter into the content completely eliminating the perceived presence of a medium. That characteristic alone makes Virtual Reality an amazing alternate solution, especially in the arenas of learning and leisure.

Google Cardboard VR is the most basic form a VR headset can take. It is utilitarian, smart, and more importantly very affordable. It is not a surprise that it has started to garner popularity and has already become a part of many classrooms.

Virtual field trips are videos shot in 360 degrees that can be watched using any VR headset such as Google Cardboard. Because of supremely immersive experience, virtual field trips are gaining popularity not only in the education sector but leisure as well. Creating a VR field trip is not rocket science. With the right equipment that’s easily accessible to consumers and some effort, you can also create your own VR field trips and take your family and friends on an exciting journey from the comfort of your home.

YOU WILL NEED A 360 DEGREE CAMERA

While it sounds intimidating, 360-cameras have been commoditized in the last couple of years bringing prices down by a considerable margin. Just like any other camera purchasing decision, you will need to think about getting the right balance of price, performance, quality, ergonomics, and reliability. It will also depend on the type of field trip you want to capture. For example, if you want to shoot 360 degree videos underwater, you will need a camera that’s waterproof and can hold its own. A dive camera is an ideal choice for underwater photography and videography, as it offers excellent image quality, durable construction and waterproofing for diving to depths.

Here are a few recommendations:

Samsung Gear 360 is the best budget 360 camera on the market right now. For an affordable price, you get 4K video recording at 24 fps with an hour of battery life and splash resistance. Camera is compatible with both Android and iOS and comes with built-n 256 GB expandable storage.

Garmin Virb 360 is a bit pricey but a great camera for people looking to record 360 degree videos outdoor. It can shoot 4K videos at 30 fps and is supported by both Android and iOS. More importantly, the Garmin cam is rated for water resistance up to 33 feet.

Insta360 One should be your choice if you are looking for an all-rounder 360 cam. With a mid-range price tag, you get almost 4K (3840 x 1920p) video recording at 30 fps. The cam works with both iOS and Android devices and has a battery life of an hour.

PURCHASING 360 CAM ACCESSORIES

Apart from the camera, you will also need some useful accessories that will bail you out from many problems. It is recommended to buy a selfie stick, a tripod or monopod, and a power bank to keep your cam charged. These little things will ensure you have a seamless experience capturing the content.

PLANNING THE VIRTUAL REALITY TRIP

To make a killer VR field trip, you need to plan your journey. Your story needs a chronologically rational narrative that is easy to follow for viewers of your 360 video. Without planning all you will have is bits and pieces of 360 degree content that you will find hard to stitch together in a logical manner.

CAPTURING 360 VIDEO AND IMAGES

It’s always recommended to read the cam manual before using it. That way you not only make aware yourself of the right way to use the camera but may discover useful features that you, otherwise, wouldn’t know. Have fun and record your content on the trip. It is fine to go for a second take if you think first one didn’t come out so well.

AUTHORING AND DISTRIBUTING VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATION

You can use different types of platforms to author you application such as Insta VR. You don’t need to be a developer author your VR app. All you have to do is drag and drop the elements you want in your app. One you have authored the app, you either keep it to a solitary mobile phone or distribute the application and circulate it among your students who have smart phones, so they can keep the application and run it on a Google Cardboard at whatever point they need.

That’s how simple it is to make your own virtual field trip for Google Cardboard VR. All you need is the right equipment and enough dedication to create content. And in few simple steps, you will be ready to make people experience the exact same things that you have experienced. It’s not only fun but a learning opportunity for everyone.