In the world of e-learning, innovative approaches and technologies are essential for enhancing the learning experience and capturing the attention of learners. One such emerging technology is explorable 360° imagery, which can serve as an engaging setting for web-based trainings (WBTs).
360° imagery allows learners to immerse themselves in a virtual environment, making their learning experience more interactive and appealing. By visualising the entire space, it enables learners to adopt different perspectives and move relatively freely through the environment. This level of interactivity encourages engagement and attention, as learners actively participate in the learning process.
Another advantage of explorable 360° imagery is the realistic representation of working environments—an aspect often lacking in traditional e-learning courses. Things get particularly interesting when companies recreate the learners’ actual workplaces as 360° environments. This approach enables learners to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills within a realistic context. The sense of familiarity also elicits a positive emotional response to the training—making it especially motivating.
Explorable 360° imagery also promotes learner autonomy, as it gives users the freedom to choose their own learning path. Rather than following a linear course structure, learners can decide for themselves which areas or topics they would like to explore in more detail. This results in a personalised learning experience that reflects the learners’ needs and interests.
This exploratory concept has now been adopted as part of one of FKC’s standard offerings—a 360° WBT on the topic of sustainability. In this module, learners are taken on a simulated visit to a fictional “Green Office”, where they can move around freely with a click of the mouse. The Green Office acts as a prototype for a more sustainable workplace, offering insights into how everyday office life can be made even “greener”.
Scattered throughout the Green Office are small, targeted tasks and challenges that provide learners with practical tips and background knowledge on sustainability. As a result, the WBT is not simply worked through—it is explored and experienced. This approach helps anchor knowledge more effectively over the long term.
Step by step, the WBT models a more sustainable daily routine. It playfully demonstrates how energy or paper consumption in the office can be reduced—and how CO₂ emissions can be lowered in the process. It also addresses topics such as printing habits, lighting, and the importance of a well-designed workspace.
In summary, explorable 360° imagery as a setting for web-based training offers a wide range of benefits.
The conclusion? It boosts learner engagement, creates realistic learning experiences, and delivers knowledge in a truly immersive way.