Thermodynamics is a compulsory part of the BScEng programme in mechanical engineering. The course is on the fourth semester, and the typical class size is 60-100 students. One of the course’s learning outcomes is to be able to carry out calculations on energy technology stations. A particularly important type of station is a thermal power station. For this reason, it is important that the students understand how such a station works.
The purpose of the activity is to give the students insight into how a thermal station works as a supplement to the teaching. Planning a field trip and ensuring that each student understood everything would take a long time to plan and organise. Using 360 video allowed the students to experience parts and areas of the station which would normally be inaccessible for visitors and larger groups.
The recordings can be reused, and you can embed quizzes and questions. These can be updated according to the needs of each semester.
The recordings of the thermal power stations were planned to give an insight into important areas based on the course of water through the station. Seven places were selected and recorded at the station.
The videos were uploaded to the platform Uptale, where you can create a guided tour from area to area. Afterwards, an explanation was added to each area. There were also added photos of particularly noteworthy objects and elements.
The students can then use their devices or a VR headset to access the recordings as needed.
The students get an insight into business and industry and get specific examples that can supplement the theoretical examples in class.
Everybody has a chance to follow along, and the teacher can ‘speak directly to each student’: The format allows the students to get a ‘real life experience’, which cannot be easily replicated through photos or normal video.
Reusing and teaching hours: The recordings can be reused during following semesters in the same course, but you might have to update the quizzes or the embedding in Blackboard NB: Brightspace is now used).
Independent study and repetition: This kind of narrative teaching in a VR environment is appropriate for the students’ independent study. The material is self-explanatory and can be used to repeat leading up to an exam or test.
Consider whether a VR video works on its own. Not all activities benefit from using the Uptale platform. Other VR activities could be done online on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo.
Consider how the students are supposed to use the materials. Is it meant for a specific situation where they need insight, a location that would be difficult to visit as a large group or is it a guided tour through a big area with a narrative.
You can think about how to activate the students either through embedding questions/quizzes or making them actively do something in the virtual room.
Faculty: TECH
Degree programme: Mechanical Engineering (BScEng)
Course: Thermodynamics
Study level: BA
Size of class: 60-100 students
Form of instruction: Classroom instruction
Extent: Activity
Primary activity type: Knowledge and information
Applied technology: Uptale
How the case is carried out: Online/distance learning
