Communicating sustainability and climate-change messages through 360 film and virtual reality

• Main Authors: Cunningham R, Karutz C
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2020
• Subjects: Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10453/142565

In this chapter, students will learn about a virtual reality experience called Crystal Reef, through which they will learn about ocean acidification and emerging climate change research happening in Italy, experience it viscerally through virtual reality (VR) technology, complete activities to conceptualise their own immersive stories, and ultimately learn about communicating positive sustainable global changes using an immersive technology platform. Climate change and environmental messaging is complex. However, even small everyday positive changes in environmental behaviours can make a difference. Behind every great film is a story. Within this activity, students break into groups and develop their own short 360 VR film on an environmental topic. The key communication tool will be a film storyboard. The storyboard may include text, images, sound, or a combination of both. When designing 360 content, it is important to consider the participant’s field of view. Cardinal directions such as left, right, up, and down help translate flat space into three dimensions.