10.26686/wgtn.12744599.v1 Christian Schott Christian Schott Virtual Fieldtrips and Climate Change Education for Tourism Students Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington 2020 tourism education Educational technology virtual fieldtrip Climate Change climate change education virtual fieldwork experiential learning digital immersion educational tourism Impacts of Tourism 2020-07-31 04:52:12 Journal contribution https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/journal_contribution/Virtual_Fieldtrips_and_Climate_Change_Education_for_Tourism_Students/12744599 <p><b>Abstract </b></p> <p>While the pedagogical benefits of fieldtrips have long been recognised our ever increasing understanding of the impacts of flying on climate change is presenting educators with a poignant dilemma; the many benefits long associated with international fieldtrips are at odds with the world community’s needs in limiting/halting climatic change. In response, the paper presents the concept of a VR-based virtual fieldtrip as an innovative and carbon-sensitive type of (educational) travel. The paper not only makes the case for virtual fieldtrips as a meaningful learning tool but also explores both the virtual fieldtrip’s impact on Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate change-related learning. On both accounts the initial findings in this paper are very encouraging. More in-depth research is now required to not only develop a deeper understanding of the full breadth of benefits, but also of the diverse weaknesses presented by virtual fieldtrips and how to negotiate them.</p>