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VIRTUAL LEARNING LABS: ENHANCING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING**

Abstract

The KSU Food Forest, OwlSwap Sustainable Textiles and Apparels Initiative, and the Forensic Anthropology Field Lab (FAFL) are living learning labs (LLL) that offer students hands-on experiences in sustainability and forensic science. However, access to these spaces can be limited due to location, weather, or online course modality. This project proposes interactive virtual tours of these sites as a potential tool for addressing these barriers while enhancing student engagement and learning in the fields of sustainable agriculture, sustainable fashion, and forensic science. This project builds off experiential learning theory, which emphasizes the importance of concrete experiences in the learning process. Additionally, constructivist learning theory supports the use of interactive environments where learners actively construct knowledge through exploration and inquiry. These tours offer participants a virtual alternative that mirrors real-world exploration. Virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree media have been shown to increase motivation, improve spatial understanding, and support differentiated learning styles in the classroom. Building on this work, this project will use Insta360 camera technology and TourIt software (supported by ASU Center for Education Through Exploration) to create interactive virtual tours of the three LLL. The 360-degree imagery will be integrated into an accessible web-based platform. Participants will engage with the tour through guided and interactive media. The project will conduct usability testing with students to refine the tours and measure engagement and comprehension. This preliminary evaluation will give insight into how immersive virtual tours impact understanding of scientific concepts and support future research on the development and effectiveness of 360° media and interactive platforms in higher education. Additionally, this project will offer faculty a scalable model for integrating immersive media into their teaching and expanding equitable access to field-based learning experiences for students with physical, scheduling, or geographic limitations.

Acknowledgements

KSU Dept. of Geography & Anthropology Intradepartmental Research Initiative funds for equipment and KSU's Radow College of Humanities & Social Sciences for support for training. ASU Center for Education Through Exploration for hosting the 360 TourIts.

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