Respecting Our Origins in Technology Through Education in Agriculture: Virtual Reality Tours
Teaching & Educational Technologies
Brandy VanDeWalle
EXT. EDUCATOR
NE Extension
Geneva
Abstract
A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) program, led by Nebraska, Alaska, and Hawai’i Extension, is engaging youth across the United States in agriculture education. The initiative enables participants to explore agricultural landscapes through immersive VR tours and create their virtual reality content to share with peers. Using VG goggles, 360 cameras, and video production tools, youth learn about the origins of agriculture, its evolution over time, and the impact of current and emerging agricultural technologies. This innovative approach not only enhances students' understanding of agricultural practices but also equips them with skills in video production and technology.
During this presentation, members will learn about this USDA NIFA grant-funded ROOTED in Ag program, a collaboration between Nebraska, Hawai’i, and Alaska. This program focuses on creating agricultural and STEM-based lessons, including VR content highlighting agricultural production technologies. This presentation will demonstrate to participants how the VR sets work, present the storyline website, and showcase the project’s goals and impact.
This team took agricultural tours at each state, creating stock 360 images for students to use and hands-on lessons, linking the VR experiences to real-world agricultural practices. This initiative not only promotes STEM education but also fosters collaboration and technological innovation in agriculture, highlighting the role of modern technology in shaping the future of agricultural education and workforce development.
Authors: Brandy VanDeWalle
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Brandy VanDeWalle EXT. EDUCATOR, UNL, Nebraska, 68361