Journalism and virtual reality

Virtual reality technologies continue to advance. If you've not donned the goggles, I can tell you it's more amazing than I expected. I tried a Facebook demonstration at the Atlanta airport late last year and came out impressed.

Not surprisingly, the technology has come to journalism. Whether this catches on or not, some news organizations are already dipping their feet in the water. A couple of years ago, New York Times sent subscribers cardboard Google goggles. Now, it has a series of 360 videos. Here's one you might enjoy: video of the Times printing plant:

The University of Southern California's Annenberg School is experimenting with it. Zillah Watson, research and development editor for the BBC, said that "360 video storytelling" should only be used in order create "a sense of presence that would help you understand the situation." To that end, she said that her team has had to create a new grammar of video storytelling, distinct from traditional video work.

For example here's how a Denver television station used it to cover a flood:

If you have a smart phone you're already equipped to shoot 360 video; all you have to do is download an appropriate app. If you're interested in shooting 360 video, USC professor Robert Hernandez has this amazing tip sheet, with everything recommendations on every from camera equipment, smart phone apps, to story templates. And Stanford University offers these twelve tips for shooting 360 video.

Find out more about virtual reality for journalism from these blogs:

Browse: Panojournalist

Browse: Journalism 360