Place-based learning through a proxy - variations in the perceived benefits of a virtual tour

Jan Oliver Wallgrün; Eric E. Knapp; Alan Taylor; Alexander Klippel; Jiayan Zhao; Pejman Sajjadi

doi:10.23919/iLRN52045.2021.9459380

Treesearch

Place-based learning through a proxy - variations in the perceived benefits of a virtual tour

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Jan Oliver Wallgrün, Eric E. Knapp, Alan Taylor, Alexander Klippel, Jiayan Zhao, Pejman Sajjadi

Year:

2021

Type:

Paper

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23919/iLRN52045.2021.9459380

Source:

7th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN). 8 p.

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Download (PDF 2.11 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/68967.pdf

Abstract

Place-based and fieldwork learning play a key role in higher education in environmental sciences and other geospatial disciplines. We report on a study in which we evaluated a web-based virtual tour application for teaching natural resource management in fire-prone western forests in two undergraduate classes. The virtual tour uses 360°-image-based virtual scenes and pre-recorded audio commentary by a domain expert to lead participants through the Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest where forest treatments were implemented to reduce fire hazard. We present results from assessing students' overall perception of the virtual tour, their views towards its application in undergraduate education, and their feedback for improving the design of future virtual tours. Furthermore, we discuss the collected data from the perspective of gender differences and differences in familiarity with the topic of the tour.

Keywords

virtual tours, place-based learning, 360° imagery, forest and wildfire ecology, user studies, virtual reality

Citation

Wallgrün, Jan Oliver; Knapp, Eric; Taylor, Alan; Klippel, Alexander; Zhao, Jiayan; Sajjadi, Pejman. 2021. Place-based learning through a proxy - variations in the perceived benefits of a virtual tour. 7th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN). 8 p. https://doi.org/10.23919/iLRN52045.2021.9459380.