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>