Journal #5
Fulldome Video, By Linda E. Law

I recently had the opportunity to experience a fulldome video presentation at the Natural History Museum in New York City. The presentation took me on a wild ride throughout our solar system that was not unlike the “Star Tours” ride at Disneyland. I was enveloped by visual and audio sensory input that got my adrenaline to the point where I felt my chest nearly burst with excitement. I left with a skip in my step and the crazed feeling that I needed to learn more! I hurried to the astronomy hall and hung out there for a long time, soaking up as much information as I could. The funny thing is, before the presentation I had walked through that same hall and felt no need to pause and learn something about our solar system. This experience demonstrated to me just how valuable the fulldome video presentations can be in educating out youngsters today. Otherwise apathetic students can be turned into avid learners with these kinds of presentations. I know!

The journal article shared exciting new information about this emerging technology. The most exciting thing about it is that it is becoming more and more affordable for school districts to purchase. School districts can buy an inflatable dome and send it on tour, setting it up in gyms across the district. Another great thing is that although the fulldome video technology was originally designed for presentations about astronomy- it can be used to teach kids about any subject.

Question: Will I encourage my school district to purchase a fulldome video setup?

I see the value in the technology, but if the school district has limited funds, it can wait. The evolution of technology is lightning fast. I bet in just a few years the fulldome videos available to school districts will be better quality and cheaper.

Question: What do I think about the future of fulldome video in education?

I believe this technology has a tremendous future in education. In the past when it took a whole room to hold a computer and at that time it would have been difficult to imagine that each classroom would have a computer. It may be difficult to believe that some day each classroom might have its own interactive fulldome video setup- but I think it will happen.