Drone Technology Takes Learning to New Heights

Instructors can explore panoramic vistas or close-up terrain with the Office of Digital Learning’s (ODL) drone technology. The ODL media production team uses the Skydio 2+ drone to help faculty shoot footage that can be incorporated into online courses. Powered by artificial intelligence, the compact autonomous drone provides a way to engage students in practical, immersive learning.

In the banner photo, Media Production Interns Hailey Hausfeld (left) and Natalie Mieses look on as Media Technologist Jim Shaw operates the drone. Above left, the drone in flight. At right, Hausfeld and Shaw discuss a shot.

Drone media is unique because it captures a new perspective from typically unreachable vantage points. With six navigation cameras, the drone allows you to see in every direction for powerful resolution and sharp image quality. The technology can be used to support learning in several ways:

• For STEM courses, drones can demonstrate the physics of flight or gather building inspection data for structural engineers.
• Urban planning instructors can evaluate traffic design from an aerial perspective to gain a clearer understanding of traffic patterns.
• In archeology courses, drones can capture aerial imagery and map archeological characteristics from a safe perspective.

View the video above to see examples of drone footage we can shoot for your course.

“By using a drone, we will be able to provide aerial videography/photography for a variety of instructional purposes,” said ODL Media Production Manager D.D. Garbarino. “We strive to innovate by using drone-captured footage to engage students and lead to better reception and retention of the rich content provided by instructors.”

The team captured aerial videography for the FSU College of Medicine, shooting footage of the FSU Primary Health building. They also shot content for the FSU Panama City campus.

To inquire about using the drone with the media team, contact Garbarino at dgarbarino@fsu.edu. Visit the drone quick guide for additional details. For more information on how the media team can help instructors, see the Integrating Video page.