Opportunities and challenges in advanced communication technologies in the environment: a case of forest management communications

Abstract

Advanced information communication technologies (ICT) offer significant benefits to applied communications, including potential cost reductions, service improvements, and expanded natural resource education in an era of ever-decreasing budgets. Limited guidance exists about how to design and implement virtual reality and augmented reality experiences in environmental spaces but clearly it takes time, expertise, equipment, and iterative feedback with experts and users. Our 18-month collaborative development process used best practices, stakeholder involvement, and multimedia teams to create and test augmented reality and virtual reality visitor education about forest management. Based on this effort, we share challenges, opportunities, and ideas to implement ICT in applied environmental education.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center with funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.