Virtual 360° Tour: Pharmaceutical Botany in a University Garden

This poster presents an immersive teaching innovation project in Pharmaceutical Botany developed at the University of Barcelona. The initiative introduces a 360° virtual tour of the Faculty of Pharmacy’s garden, which hosts over 120 plant species and is frequently used for teaching first-year students. The resource, built using an Insta360 X4 camera and Kuula® platform, includes interactive hotspots with links to student-generated learning materials.

Designed to overcome the logistical barriers of in-person visits, the tour allows students to explore the garden autonomously and at their own pace, enhancing motivation, comprehension of plant morphology, and academic performance. A pilot test involving 75 students in 2024–2025 confirmed the tool's usability and educational value through quantitative and qualitative feedback. Future developments include audio narration, augmented reality, and integration with artificial intelligence to foster a fully immersive and sustainable learning experience.

Due to budget constraints, full access to the virtual tour (including active info cards and hotspots) is only available during the months when students actively use the resource. Currently, the tour remains accessible in a static version, displaying panoramic 360° images and labels, but without interactive elements. We are exploring funding options to ensure year-round full access to the complete version.