Certificate Programme in Conservation Education through Virtual Reality
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to the show, today we have Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in conservation education and the lead instructor for the new Certificate Programme in Conservation Education through Virtual Reality. Dr. Smith, can you tell us what inspired you to create this innovative course? GUEST: Absolutely! I've seen firsthand how VR can transform the way we teach and learn about conservation. It provides immersive experiences that were previously impossible, making it a game-changer for educators and students alike. HOST: That's fascinating. How does this programme help learners engage with wildlife and ecosystems using interactive VR modules? GUEST: Our course includes hands-on VR sessions where participants can explore various habitats and interact with different species. They'll develop practical skills in creating virtual field trips and designing interactive storytelling experiences. HOST: Speaking of practical skills, what are some challenges you anticipate learners might face when trying to incorporate VR into their teaching or conservation work? GUEST: One challenge is access to VR technology, as it can be expensive. However, we're working on partnerships to provide affordable solutions for our students. Another issue is designing meaningful content that truly enhances learning outcomes. That's why we emphasize pedagogy alongside technology in our programme. HOST: Great points. Now, let's look at the bigger picture. How do you see the role of VR in conservation education evolving in the future? GUEST: I believe VR will become a standard tool in conservation education, allowing learners to experience diverse ecosystems without leaving their classrooms. This has the potential to create a global community of conservation advocates, driving innovation and collaboration in the field. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on this exciting new programme. We're looking forward to seeing how it revolutionizes conservation education! GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm excited about the future of VR in conservation education and can't wait to see the impact our students will have on the environment.
