The ThingLink 360/VR Bootcamp focuses on the powerful possibilities for teaching and learning with virtual reality and 360 images across all content areas and grade levels. Participants will learn how to design and personalize interactive 360 experiences using ThingLink’s 360 photo editor
Shift from Consumption to Creativity at a ThingLink 360/VR Bootcamp
ThingLink 360/VR Bootcamps provide powerful professional development opportunities for educators interested in shifting student learning experiences from consumption to creation. We have facilitated many Bootcamps in locations across the US. The Bootcamps provide us with ongoing opportunities to connect with educators, gain valuable feedback, and develop local expertise.
Develop a Framework for Understanding
FAMU –Tallahassee Florida
Our 360/VR Bootcamps bring educators together a 6-hour of professional development designed to help attendees feel confident and prepared to seamlessly integrate ThingLink 360/VR into the classroom. We start with an introduction to VR in education to develop a common framework for understanding the design process. Then we take a close look at how to leverage the power of ThingLink 360/VR, starting at each attendee’s comfort level, using our SAMR-aligned approach to tech integration.
“I had played with the Free version of Thinglink in the past. After Susan’s bootcamp, I stopped playing and started expanding my teaching with this amazing tool! My students surprise me daily with all they can do with it now!” -Stewart Lee, GA
Learn to Create
TCU–Fort Worth Texas
Bootcamp participants are encouraged to bring their favorite devices for use during the creativity piece when we design interactive images. We start by learning to add tags with text, images, audio, and video on top of stunning, preloaded 360 images. We learn to embed favorite digital tools into ThingLink, and we explore ways to share digital content and projects with students through popular LMS platforms to bring ThingLink home for use as an extension that easily integrates with educators existing toolkits.
“It is vital that we meet our students “where they are” in order to “move them where we need them to be.” – Dr. Kelley Bailey & L. Michelle Salvant, FAMU
Capture 360 Images
Mount Saint Mary College–Newburgh NY
The biggest questions during the Bootcamps are related to finding 360 images for use, and a good part of the Bootcamp is dedicated towards empowering educators in this area. Keeping consistent with our pedagogical approach, we start by helping participants search for 360 images from our pre-loaded library of stunning images, then we help them search for images that have been contributed to ThingLink by our users. We discuss copyright and source crediting and then we learn to take our own images on our own devices. We love it when participants bring their own 360 cameras, but we make sure to spend time teaching everyone how to capture 360 images with their phones because this is an empowering skill to pass on to students! We get up, go out and capture 360 images in the middle of the day and then we put them to use after lunch.
Dive Deep into the Creativity Process
SCU–Santa Clara California
After everyone returns from capturing 360 images, and eating lunch, we spend the rest of the day putting everything together. Participants take their own ideas, combined with their newly acquired skills and put them to use by creating a 360/VR image. There is plenty of time for collaboration and conversations. The learning environment is filled with sharing, processing and connecting about learning. There is an incredible opportunity for learning and professional growth through the combined talents of the educators in the room and it is a truly fabulous learning experience.
“ThingLink has provided us with a tool for our students to be creators of authentic and interactive VR content!”–Jennifer and Brian Cauthers, New York
Commit to Continued Learning & Growth
1st Bootcamp Grads–Chino Valley, CA
The biggest challenge in any professional development session is in getting participants to continue the work and apply the learning in the classroom. Since Bootcamp participants have a 1-year Premium account for themselves and their students, there is a greater commitment to bringing the learning to the classroom. We offer webinars featuring Bootcamp grads as panelists to share the learning and continue to inspire participants. We also offer a leadership program for attendees who wish to become experts and help others learn to leverage the power of ThingLink in schools and universities. We want you to be successful, and we are committed to helping you succeed, learn, and grow.
“Getting certified as a Thinglink educator changed my life. My ESL students love visiting places and creating 360 Photos” -Susan Gaer, CA
Connect
Name(required)
Email(required)
Website
Comment(required)
SUBMIT
Cool Tools for 21st Century Learners 