A&S students experience virtual reality films tied to conservation, sustainability
The VR films were paid for by a grant offered by the A&S Hub for Immersive Environments
A new world was unlocked this week for creative conservation students at the University of Cincinnati.
UC College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Teri Jacobs teaches the class and says she was looking for a way to marry technology and education in an unusual way. Over the summer, she was awarded funding to make her vision a reality, thanks to the A&S Hub for Immersive Environments.
The grant funding covered perpetual licensures for three VR nature films, provided by Habitat XR. Thanks to the hub, Jacobs was able to take her students to the on-campus VR lab and let the students have an unforgettable experience - at no cost.
Student demonstrates VR technology during. Photo/UC Marketing + Communications
“You do feel immersed, really immersed, in the scene,“ Jacobs said. “You're right in the helicopter; you are right by the elephant as you're putting the collar on and seeing the vein.”
She says they did a initial survey to see how many students were familiar with VR technology. In April, they are doing a follow-up survey to see if there were any lasting changes beyond a fun class activity.
“The purpose of these conservation films is not just education and entertainment, it is to inspire, and they want to motivate, and they want to impart care, not just care, but stewardship,“ Jacobs said.
Adding different styles of media broadens students' horizons — quite literally, Jacobs said. The students get a 360-degree view with the headset on, providing an entertaining and educational experience.
“I loved getting the opportunity to experience a virtual reality classroom; it truly made me want to jump right into the video and play with all the animals," said student Courtney Clark. "VR is such a unique experience that allows people the opportunity to see things through a different lens that they may never be able to see again!“
The program allowed students to go on tailored adventures through interactive objects. Jacobs says it opens up a whole new world for education and is extremely timely with teaching the next generation of conservationists, who are growing up in a very digital age.
“Films were a huge part of what initially sparked my interest in nature and wildlife; the VR session made that experience feel more immersive,“ said student Jordyn Wynn. “I felt like I was stepping into an environment I wouldn't normally get the chance to experience, rather than just watching and learning about it.”
Jacobs also pointed out how accessible the technology makes hands-on learning, even if physical limitations may be present. She says for students with mobility issues, the VR lab allows those students to have experiences they otherwise might get the chance to have.
“Now we've given them a world that they normally couldn't access," said Jacobs. "That is life-changing.”
Teri Jacobs, UC Undergraduate Director for Environmental Studies
“Now we've given them a world that they normally couldn't access," said Jacobs. "That is life-changing.”
Students had to create their own 360 scene for an assignment in small groups. They came up with a title, pitch, and designed a scene. She said the films are supposed to inspire them to care about the environment, communities, and being good stewards.
“Curiosity is how we learn, and your curiosity should drive you," said Jacobs, "It's already built into the system, and you just go with it, and you're entertained at the same time.”
The Creative Conservation class for this semester was a pilot in EVST 4001 Select Topics in Environment and Sustainability. Jacobs says the class was so well-received, the students voted that it should be a course. It was recently approved to be its own Honors course beginning in fall semester of 2028.
Featured image at top: Student demonstrates VR learning technology. Photo/Hannah White, UC Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communications
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