
Day 6 of our 360-degree video training in Athens took participants on an adventure into the world of biology, where they captured the natural landscapes, biodiversity, and ecosystems within the city. Today’s sessions focused on how immersive video can make biology more accessible, turning outdoor environments into interactive learning experiences that bring life sciences directly to students.
The morning began with a session on filming natural environments, where instructors introduced techniques for capturing plants, animals, and ecological features in 360 degrees. They discussed the importance of creating immersive scenes that allow viewers to feel as though they’re exploring nature firsthand. Participants were encouraged to think about how these videos could be used in lessons on ecosystems, species interactions, and environmental conservation, fostering curiosity and respect for the natural world.
By late morning, teams set out to film in locations like the National Garden, Mount Hymettus, and the Athenian Riviera. Each environment offered unique opportunities to capture different elements of biology—botanical diversity in the gardens, coastal ecosystems along the beaches, and native wildlife in the natural reserves. Participants experimented with close-up shots of plant structures, panoramic views of landscapes, and subtle movements to capture animal behaviors, aiming to give students a comprehensive, immersive perspective on Athens’ rich biodiversity.
In the afternoon, participants regrouped to review their footage and discuss ways to make biological concepts engaging for students. This feedback and brainstorming session allowed them to refine their footage, choosing scenes that best highlight the complex beauty of natural ecosystems. They also discussed potential lesson applications, like using the footage to explore food chains, habitats, and adaptation in species.
The day concluded with a demonstration of editing techniques for highlighting biological
features in 360-degree video. Instructors showcased methods like adding pop-up text for plant or animal identification, layering soundscapes of natural habitats, and guiding viewers’ attention to specific features within each scene. These enhancements gave participants a clear vision of how to make their content educational and engaging, providing students with a virtual experience of nature that feels both realistic and enriching.
Day 6 inspired participants to see the outdoors as an extension of the classroom, transforming biology into an immersive, interactive experience. Tomorrow, they’ll dive into the theme of culture, exploring how 360-degree video can capture the arts, traditions, and customs that define Athens. Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the educational potential of immersive media!

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