Using 360 Cameras to Transform Teacher Professional Development
Written by Dr. Adam Carreon, Ph.D.
Teaching is an active profession that relies on reflection, collaboration, and continuous growth. Yet, opportunities for observation and reflection are often limited due to time and resource constraints. As technology evolves, teachers can leverage to innovative tools that can support them in observing and reflecting on their own practice. One such tool that is becoming more common and available is the 360-degree camera (We will call it a 360 camera for the rest). These cameras offer immersive video capture that can highly impact how teachers observe, reflect, and improve their practice.
What Are 360 Cameras?
360 cameras record video in all directions simultaneously, creating an immersive, full view of a wherever it is recording. When used in classrooms, they capture everything from teacher movement and student engagement to classroom interactions and environmental factors. This recording can be viewed on a computer, tablet, camera or VR headset, allowing educators to have a realistic and natural view of their classroom and analyze their teaching from multiple perspectives.
How Can Teachers Use 360 Cameras for Professional Growth?
There are several impactful ways teachers can integrate 360 cameras into their professional development routines:
Classroom Observation and Reflection: Teachers can record lessons and later review them to assess instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement. Unlike traditional videos, 360 camera recordings allow you to see what’s happening in every part of the room.
Peer Feedback and Coaching: Teachers can share their recordings with mentors or colleagues for feedback. This creates a more authentic viewing for coaching conversations and collaborative learning.
Lesson Study and Research: In professional learning communities, teachers can use 360 recordings to analyze lessons together, identify best practices, and explore instructional techniques in depth.
Pre-Service Teacher Training: Teacher preparation programs can use 360 recordings to immerse candidates in real classroom environments, helping them observe and learn from experienced educators. Additionally, pre-service teachers can utilize the above suggestions for professional development and growth.
What to Consider When Investing in 360 Cameras
When selecting a 360-degree camera for classroom use, educators should consider several features and factors. Ease of use is essential, so teachers and districts should look for intuitive controls and simple setup. Additionally, high-quality video and audio features should be prioritized, such as resolution and multiple microphone arrays with noise reduction. Storage is also an important feature to consider. This can include local storage like SD cards or cloud storage. Finally, durability and portability ensure the device can withstand daily classroom use and be used in multiple locations.
Why and How Can Schools and Districts Support This Practice?
School districts should embrace 360 cameras as powerful tools for professional development and instructional improvement. These cameras provide a comprehensive, immersive view of classroom environments, enabling educators to reflect on their teaching, classroom management, and student engagement from multiple perspectives. For special education specifically, this technology supports individualized coaching, enhances collaboration, and promotes inclusive practices. It also allows for asynchronous observation, reducing scheduling barriers for mentors and administrators.
To maximize the benefits of 360 cameras, schools and districts can:
Provide access to user-friendly 360 cameras and editing tools.
Offer training on how to record, view, and analyze recordings.
Create secure platforms for sharing and storing videos.
Encourage trust and growth where video is used for learning, not evaluation.
Some Guiding Questions When Implementing 360 Cameras Into Education
Planning & Purpose
What are the specific goals for using 360-degree cameras in our classrooms or PD sessions?
How will this technology support instructional improvement or reflective practice?
Technology & Logistics
Where should cameras be placed to capture the most useful classroom footage?
How will we manage video storage, privacy, and sharing?
Ethics & Consent
How will we ensure student and teacher privacy is protected?
What consent procedures are needed for recording in classrooms?
Professional Development Integration
How will teachers be trained to use and reflect on 360-degree video?
What frameworks or protocols will guide video analysis (e.g., noticing, coaching cycles)?
Collaboration & Feedback
How will instructional coaches or peers engage with the footage?
How can we foster a culture of trust and growth around video-based feedback?
Final Thoughts
360 cameras offer a unique opportunity to deepen teacher reflection and collaboration. By embracing 360 camera technology, educators can gain new insights into their practice, enable meaningful dialogue, and ultimately, enhance student learning. As with any tool, success depends on purposeful implementation and a commitment to continuous improvement.
