Virtual and digital technologies can enhance communication between and among producers, regulators, educators, and consumers, which creates an overwhelming opportunity for education and seafood literacy development. This talk will highlight opportunities we have developed and capitalized on in the Great Lakes region including international partnerships, training, and digital media. More specifically, as an innovative technology, 360-virtual reality (VR) imaging and video brings remote and distant locations and educational efforts to a broader audience while giving them a feeling of ‘being there,’ and all at a reasonable cost. Currently, 360-VR can be accessible through public platforms (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Google, etc.) and used in a variety of formats (e.g., smartphone, computer, VR headset, etc.). Various studies indicate 360 experiences can achieve long-term learning impacts. VR technology allows individualized imm ersive experiences where students engage deeply with content and locations not traditionally accessible and will allow for the sustainability of such programs moving towards the future.
The videos will be integrated into an online educational delivery program (e.g., Desire2Learn) to provide content and context for learners. A great example that we would like to follow is NOAA’s lesson plans for virtual dives of their marine sanctuaries (https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/lessons.html). This effort would provide an open-access platform for students to view, engage, and utilize the 360-VR experience without having to travel, yet experience accessible aquaculture programming through Extension technol ogy. Join us as we guide you across Indonesia on tours of various aquaculture farms and discuss the process of creating and implementing this innovative technology!