Texas Tech University System

Awards Issued Prior to January 20, 2025, Were Funded Under Previous Administrations and May Not Reflect the Priorities and Policies of the Current Administration. This PROJECT'S Purpose Is to Develop, Implement and Enhance a Framework for Effectively Using Multimedia to Increase Food and Agricultural Sciences (FAS) Exposure, Literacy, and Workforce Development. Designed for a Target Audience of Students in Higher Education, This Project Will Use 3-D Spatial Scanning Equipment and Software to Create Interactive Virtual Tours (ivts). the Ivts Will Be Supported With Developed Curriculum to Allow Educators and Students Enhanced Access to Various Fas Industry Sites Through Virtual Exploration, Interactivity, Training, and Instruction. the PROJECT'S Objectives Are: 1.) Develop and Disseminate Interactive Virtual Tour Learning Modules Featuring Food and Agricultural Sciences (FAS) Topic Areas. 2.) Enhance Agriculture and Natural Resource INSTRUCTORS' Abilities to Utilize Interactive Virtual Tours Featuring Fas Topic Areas. 3.) Evaluate Educational Effectiveness of Interactive Virtual Tours of Fas Topic Areas in Higher Education.the Projectwill Be Completed in Three Phases: (1) Creating and Sharing Ivts Modules Enhanced With Supporting Materials, (2) Training Educators to Incorporate the Modules in Existing Curriculum, and (3) Evaluating Ivt Educational Effectiveness. Short-term Impacts From This Project Will Be an Increased Knowledge and Understanding of Fas Industry Practices and Potential Careers. Medium-term Impacts Will Be Students Pursuing Careers in the Fas Industry. Long-term Impacts Will Be Increased Transparency and Trust in Fas From Access to Ivts, a More Informed Entry-level Workforce, and More Informed Consumers.