Journal 10

“Fulldome Video: An Emerging Technology for Education”
By Linda E. Law

This article had a great attention getting first paragraph! I was actually picturing myself traveling through space. Fulldome Video makes this experience possible for students. This large dome is great for teaching subjects, such as Geology, History, or Chemistry. Here is how it works. There is an inflatable dome in which students and teachers can pile into. The dome looks much like a large tent. Inside the dome, there is a laptop, projector and sound system. Teachers can choose a subject in which to complete a lesson on. The Fulldome Video idea is beneficial to students because they are able to visually see the picture or information on a large screen that covers all dimensions of the room. The attention getting paragraph described how the Fulldome Video was used to simulate space. What a great idea! The author also discusses the 3-D aspect of Fulldome. “Molecularium is a science lesson, a thrilling ride, a musical cartoon, and magical journey into the world of atoms and molecules.” This video is aimed to teach Elementary and Middle School students how molecules and atoms make up the world around us.

Question #1: Have you had a Fulldome Video experience?

No, I haven’t. However, I was reminded of 3rd grade, when our school went on a field trip to explore some of the San Diego museums. One of the places we visited while we were there was the IMAX Theater. I remember the film on earthquakes as if it were yesterday. At eight-years-old, this was the first time I had ever seen an IMAX. The fact that the picture was all around me, made a huge impact on the amount information that I retained. It was quite educational. We learned about earthquake faults, and the major cities they are located in California. The video displayed a diagram of the layers of the ground moving in a continuous wave. According to the article, it seems as though the Fulldome Video is a more expanded upon idea of IMAX. I believe that this would be a fun way for kids to learn the information expected of them.

Question #2: How would you use the Fulldome Video in your classroom?
As was discussed in the article, I believe that a lesson on astronomy would be perfect for the Fulldome Video. One of the concepts I had difficulties with in elementary school, was the fact that the Earth travels around the sun, and the moon travels around the Earth. I remember my teacher had me stand in the middle of the class. I was the sun. Then, he had another student, Joslyn travel around me as the Earth. Finally, Nathan, the moon, circled around Joslyn, and I was finally able to understand. This would be an excellent lesson for the Fulldome Video. Students would be able to stand under a black starry sky and watch the Earth travel around the sun, and the moon travel around the Earth.