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Implementation of a Statewide Youth Ag Safety Immersive Virtual Reality Program.
Sue Schuelke1, Aaron Yoder2, Matt Kreifels3
1College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Journal of Agromedicine
|February 28, 2025
Summary
Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) significantly improved agricultural safety knowledge in secondary students. This engaging educational tool enhanced understanding of tractor, ATV, and electrical safety, with high interest in continued use.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Safety Education
- Educational Technology
- Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR)
Background:
- Secondary school-based agricultural education programs require innovative safety training methods.
- Traditional methods may not fully engage students in understanding complex agricultural hazards.
- Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) offers a novel approach to safety education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an IVR Ag Safety Education mail-out program.
- To develop and implement an IVR Ag Safety game for agricultural education.
- To evaluate student and faculty engagement and learning outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 44 secondary schools.
- Development and distribution of the "Rollover Ranch" IVR Ag Safety game via mail-out.
- Pre- and post-knowledge assessments and student/faculty evaluations were administered.
Main Results:
- Post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores (p < .001), indicating improved knowledge.
- Statistically significant increases in understanding were observed across Tractor Safety, ATV Safety, and Electrical Safety subsets.
- Students found the IVR game entertaining (85.63%) and increased their safety understanding (63.8%).
Conclusions:
- IVR is a feasible and effective tool for agricultural safety education, reaching diverse geographical areas.
- Students demonstrated enhanced learning and engagement, while faculty recognized its value as a teaching modality.
- Further research should explore long-term knowledge retention and behavioral changes related to agricultural equipment operation and electrical safety.
