Advantages of 360° Virtual Forest Tours to Supplement Academic Forestry Education

Abstract

360° virtual forest tours (VFTs), created by state-of-the-art virtual reality technology, contribute to the progression of academic e-learning and forest management. The article proposes a conceptual framework for 360° VFT production and use to supplement field courses. Reflective insights into the authors’ own learning process in the production of 360° VFTs, and a consideration of the general challenges of the medium are also presented. To conclude, the article summarizes the advantages of 360° VFTs for forestry education in an academic context.