Predicting Adoption of Virtual Reality Technology by College of Agricultural Faculty in Association of American Universities

Abstract

The use of virtual platforms is a phenomenon that has only begun to expand throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Modern technologies such as drones, Oculus Rift, GoPro, and PlayStation VR are popular versions and, in most cases, are used primarily for recreational purposes. Recreational use provides many immersive experiences, but these technologies can provide meaningful educational opportunities in agriculture. Agriculture education coupled with virtual reality technology has yet to be fully explored, which is indicated by the lack of availability of published literature exploring virtual reality adoption in agriculture. This research focuses on three Association of American University (AAU) Agricultural and Life Sciences departments across the United States. A Qualtrics survey was administered to assess stakeholder perceptions and those results were analyzed to determine data outcomes. The findings from these data provide revealed perceptions of virtual reality by AAU Colleges of Agricultural and Life Sciences faculty. Faculties behavioral intentions to adopt and use virtual reality were low, which provides a foundation for future research. Mean scores across constructs enabled the researchers to conclude that faculty need to become aware of the educational value provided by virtual reality technology. Through the provision of new innovative learning opportunities, we can strive to solve future agricultural problems, such as the expected food crisis of 2050.