iFarm Immersive Theatre
Extension Education
Brooke Beam
Extension Educator, ANR/CD
Hillsboro
Abstract
Imagine flying over lush, green fields of corn and soybeans while you ride on a crop duster applying fungicide and learning how to become an agricultural aviation pilot. Then imagine swimming with tilapia in an aquaponics system and learning about hydroponics. Now, imagine being able to experience these sensations, and more, without having to leave your chair. The iFarm Immersive Theatre provides viewers with the opportunity to view these kinds of immersive videos about agriculture, without having to leave a theatre setting. This theatre utilizes projection mapping and 360-degree, virtual reality (VR) videos to provide viewers with an immersive experience similar to an IMAX Theater or a planetarium with 200-degrees of projection. Researchers have found that immersive theatres are more successful in engaging participants than VR headsets (Dorta, Pierini, and Boudharaâ, 2017). Advancements in technologies allow for the creation of these immersive experiences, but are immersive experiences a good way to communicate educational materials related to agriculture? Is the experience of this kind of immersive projection system something participants would recommend to others?
This research presentation analyzes the use of the iFarm Immersive Theatre at the 2021 Farm Science Review, a large agriculture education and trade show. Findings indicate this kind of immersive theatre is a good way to communicate agricultural topics. In total, there were 157 screenings over the course of three days with 861 participants. Participants were asked to participate in a voluntary survey to analyze their experience. Over 96 percent of respondents stated they would recommend the immersive theatre to others. Two-thirds of the respondents stated they learned something new from the experience. Experiences that offered a new perspective, or something that is not a common occurrence for everyday life, were the most popular virtual experiences with participants. Based on initial reactions from participants, findings indicate that immersive theatres are a viable way to communicate and educate audiences on agricultural topics.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Brooke Beam
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Beam, B. Extension Educator, ANR/CD, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45133