Source: UNIVERSITY OF GUAM UOG STATION submitted to
ADAPTION OF VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY (VRT) IN ADVANCEMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES EDUCATION IN INSULAR INSTITUTIONS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1029085
Grant No.
2022-70008-38345
Cumulative Award Amt.
$200,000.00
Proposal No.
2022-04470
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2022
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2025
Grant Year
2022
Program Code
[AA-Q]- Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas
Project Director
Chen, K.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF GUAM UOG STATION
(N/A)
MANGILAO,GU 96913
Performing Department
CNAS
Non Technical Summary
The Agriculture and Life Science Division, College of Natural and Applied Science (CNAS) at the University of Guam (UOG) offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Life Science (ALS) and the Master of Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (SAFNR). Isolation of our insular institution had worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic in past years. In this academic year, 2021-2022, the total number of student enrollment at UOG decreased to ca.3,000 from ca.4,000 of the previous year. On-line instruction was the only available method of learning when the campus was on a mandatory closure. This problem has made faculty members of ALS and SAFNR program aware of the need that we should aggressively bring in new methods to deliver agriculture courses due to limited access to the university campus and person-to person interaction. Our first challenge is to find out how to offer in-classroom instruction of 'hands-on' agriculture technology under strict isolation protocols. Resident Instruction program at the Agriculture and Life Science Division has limited number of instructional faculty members. One of the 'hands-on' technology courses listed in both undergraduate and graduate curricula, AL 443/443Lab: technologies for sustainable tropical agriculture, has not been offered due to retirement of the faculty member who created the course. It provides students with knowledge of agricultural sustainability through state-of-the-art technologies that utilize resources in a way that effectuate soil and water quality and quantity. Students will gain first-hand knowledge of technologies to improve sustainability on agriculture operations, and conservation practices that mitigate degradation of soil and water quality in agricultural operations. On the one hand, students will learn effective management strategies and technologies to optimize agricultural production, reduce negative environmental impacts, and manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. On the other hand, this course seeks to identify a solution to teach Agriculture and Natural Resources Technology in the curriculum of undergraduate and graduate programs at the UOG. The University of Guam is the only 4-year Land-Grant higher education institution in the western Pacific region. Many students from the Northern Marianas College, the College of Micronesia, and Palau Community College pursue tertiary education at the UOG after graduation from colleges on their respective home islands. From the previous RIIA projects, we found out that providing learning opportunities with other insular institutions would generate mutual benefits, such as information transmission and cost-effectiveness, for both faculty members and students of participating institutions. In addition, we aim to link other insular institutions with pioneering technology of agriculture education through knowledge sharing and synthesis in the RIIA project.?
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90374103020100%
Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
7410 - General technology;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
The proposed project has three (3) objectives:Objective 1: Integrate virtual reality technology (VRT) in agriculture sciences education program.Objective 2: Engage more Pacific islanders in virtual reality technology (VRT).Objective 3: Connect with two insular institutions, the University of Guam and the Northern Marianas College in administering training programs of virtual reality technology (VRT). The anticipated and overall impact of the three objectives will be an overarching and substantial improvement of the quality of agricultural sciences education at UOG that utilizes transcending technology in teaching pedagogy. Experts of 'smart agri-tech VRT' at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) in Taiwan will share their knowledge and teaching methods to improve our course curriculum and laboratory practices. The proposed project will overcome current limitations of face-to-face and other interactive instruction system due to COVID-19 restrictions. Specifically, this collaboration gives a mental boost to students in taking up the much-needed self-initiative to exploring and immersing into novel agricultural education methodologies. As technology integration in education continues to burgeon throughout the years, it is imperative to develop innovative strategies that will offer agriculture students at the UOG diverse learning opportunities. This program will instill knowledge of and obtain new insights from island agriculture in Taiwan by strengthening connection with the Northern Marianas College (NMC), a neighbor insular institution, in receiving the same training program from NPUST.
Project Methods
Plan of Operation and MethodologyProposed ActivitiesObjective 1: Integrate virtual reality technology (VRT) in agriculture sciences education program.During the first year, we will have on-line zoom meetings with PDs and Research Associate of UOG and collaborators, Dr. Shang-han Tsai (Assistant Professor and Chief of Smart Agriculture Center) and Mr. Bo-Yuan Cheng (Lecturer Rank Research Fellow) at the NPUST to discuss about details of integration of their VRT in class AL451/G (agribusiness management), AL484/L (Tropical Vegetable Production) and AL443/G (Technologies for Sustainable Tropical Agriculture) We plan to introduce topics and concepts of some topics of these classes utilizing VRT during Spring semester or summer session in 2023. PDs are instructors or guest lecturer of these courses. After reviewing by student participants and co-instructors and colleagues of ALS Division, the revision of the course delivery methods will be proposed at a division meeting to interweave classroom lessons and institutional learning objectives.Objective 2: Engage more Pacific islanders in virtual reality technology (VRT).From a global perspective, country income indicators are also a key determinant in agriculture stagnation in addition to a mix of constraints on environmental domains (natural indicators (biomass, land, water), resource availability/access, etc.) (Cantone et al., 2021). Targeting these disparate relationships, the development of insular states will concentrate on the strategic implementation of agriculture development. As the largest territory in the Western Pacific, the communities of Guam can be immensely benefited through agricultural contributions in research education and sustainable investments. An overarching ambition will be the advancement of communicative technologies and institutional programs to ease infrastructure gaps that will train this and the next generations to connect the island with global communities.In spring 2023, ten students (three graduate and seven undergraduate students) will be recruited through the public media (e.g. university website, social media, email, etc.). Applications will be reviewed by faculty recruitment committee members of the ALS and SAFNR programs. In summer 2023, PDs (Dr. Kuan-Ju Chen and Dr. Mari Marutani) will take ten students to the NPUST in Taiwan to learn the VRT introduced by Dr. Shang-Han Tsai and Mr. Bo-Yuan Cheng, who have extensive teaching experiences using VRT in agricultural education. Through these collaborative and international-themed activities, students will have a more holistic understanding of valuing diversity, consciousness, cultural knowledge, and reflective experience of cultures that facilitate the ongoing collaborations with our partnering institution in Taiwan.Objective 3: Connect with two insular institutions, the University of Guam and the Northern Marianas College in administering training programs of virtual reality technology (VRT). UOG plays a very important role in regional political and economic layout because of its geographical and strategic location as the military base in Micronesia. As the highest institution on Guam, UOG has become a nurturing and training base for high-ranked officials and prominent leaders in the region. The UOG has positioned itself as the hub of cultural exchange and workforce development for neighboring states in the Micronesia and the greater Pacific region. The Northern Marianas College (NMC) is a public land-grant college in the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). NMC has been a member of the consortium of insular land grant institutions since its inception and the interaction among the institutions is of great benefit to all participants. The academic engagement between Guam and CNMI will foster strong and longstanding relationships between faculty members, students, stakeholders, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the respective communities. Workshops on virtual reality experience system of smart farm will be offered by Dr. Shang-Han Tsai and Mr. Bo-Yuan Cheng in summer 2024. We will invite Dr. Virendra M. Verma (Program Leader and Scientist (Horticulture/Crop), Agriculture Production Program, Northern Marianas College) and his students from NMC to attend the workshops. This will enhance students' knowledge in agriculture sciences education program, increase the number of Pacific islanders to experience training programs in VRT, and link the two insular institutions (UOG and NMC) through virtual reality training and education programs.

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences reached during this reporting period include: 1. Undergraduate students in BS degree program of Agriculture and Life Sciencesat the College of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Guam. 2. Graduate students in MS degree program of Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at College of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Guam. 3. Undergraduate students in the Associate of Science (AS) degree program of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management (ANRM) at the College of Micronesia - Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM). ?4. Undergraduate students in the AS degree program ofNatural Resource Management and BSdegree program of business management at the Northern Marianas College (NMC). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided numerous opportunities for training and professional development, equipping students with global agricultural insights and hands-on experience in Virtual Reality Technology (VRT). 1. Taiwan Summer Study Abroad Program 2024: This program allowed 24 students to explore global agricultural practices and development, with a particular focus on VRT applications in agriculture. Students engaged in interactive training sessions, site visits, and workshops to gain a deeper understanding of international farming techniques and digital agriculture tools. 2. International Agriculture Health Innovation Workshop: Held in Guam, this workshop provided 12 students with specialized training in tropical island agriculture and health innovation. Participants learned about sustainable farming techniques, climate resilience, and VRT applications tailored to island environments. 3. Outreach Virtual Reality Training Practice: The project facilitated VRT-based outreach programs across multiple locations: a. COM-FSM in Yap: Trained 30 students in virtual agricultural techniques, enhancing their technical skills in digital farming solutions. b. NMC in Saipan: Provided 12 students with hands-on training in VRT-assisted sustainable agriculture practices. c. UOG in Guam: Engaged 40 students in VR-based agricultural training, helping integrate digital tools into the academic curriculum. These initiatives have significantly contributed to capacity building, skills enhancement, and regional collaboration, preparing students for future careers in agriculture, technology, and sustainability. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated to communities of interest primarily through outreach events held across various islands and Guam. These events provided hands-on experiences with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and training simulations, allowing participants to explore innovative agricultural practices in an immersive environment. During these outreach sessions, community members, students, and agricultural professionals were introduced to VR-based training modules, demonstrating practical applications of digital tools in sustainable farming and climate adaptation. By engaging directly with local audiences, these events have successfully raised awareness and encouraged the adoption of emerging agricultural technologies tailored to regional challenges and opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we plan to implement several key activities to further our goals in outreach, training, and dissemination of Virtual Reality Technology (VRT) in agriculture: July 2024: Conduct outreach and training sessions for local island populations in Pohnpei, leveraging College of Micronesia's institutional network to expand engagement. October 2024: Support University of Guam student-led projects on VRT applications at Guam's first AgrAbility Regional Conference, promoting agricultural innovation and accessibility. November 2024: Organize the first Agriculture Networking (AgriNet) event, connecting stakeholders from the U.S., Pacific Islands, and Guam to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. December 2024: Disseminate project details and accomplishments through localnewspapers, increasing public awareness and community engagement. January 2025: Facilitate another Taiwan Study Abroad Program, providing students with opportunities to engage in international agricultural practices and VRT-based training. March 2025: Support University of Guam student-led projects in VRT presentations at a conference in the Philippines, expanding the regional impact of the initiative. These activities will continue to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance agricultural training through VRT, and broaden outreach efforts to ensure lasting impacts in the Pacific and beyond.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Integrate virtual reality technology (VRT) in agriculture sciences education programs. During Spring 2024, two University of Guam students, supported by the grant, completed capstone projects examining virtual reality technology acceptance among university students. These projects included workshops on VRT applications in agriculture, where participants engaged with virtual tiller simulations and provided feedback on the effectiveness of VR-based learning. Additionally, the Symposium at the 2024Conference on Island Sustainability on April 11, 2024, served as a platform for these students to present their research findings to the Micronesian academic community, further integrating VRT discussions into agricultural sciences education. The insights gained from these initiatives provide a strong foundation for expanding VRT-driven curriculum development at the University of Guam and beyond. Objective 2: Engage more Pacific islanders in virtual reality technology (VRT). The Virtual Reality Technology Team has actively engaged Pacific Island students and faculty through a series of regional workshops and training programs. From March 16-24, 2024, workshops were conducted in Yap under the theme "Building Sustainable Agriculture Education Systems in the Micronesian Region for the Next Decade." These sessions introduced College of Micronesia agriculture students and faculty members to virtual tiller applications in soil management and cultivation techniques. Similarly, from June 13-17, 2024, students at Northern Marianas College (NMC) in Saipan participated in VRT-based agriculture training, reinforcing their understanding of precision farming and digital agriculture tools. These events, alongside international collaborationwith the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) in Taiwan, have significantly contributed to increasing VRT adoption among Pacific Islanders. Objective 3: Connect with two insular institutions, the University of Guam and the Northern Marianas College in administering training programs of virtual reality technology (VRT). Collaboration between the University of Guam (UOG) and Northern Marianas College (NMC) has been instrumental in expanding VRT training programs. During the Saipan project team meeting (June 13-17, 2024), representatives from both institutions discussed joint administration of VRT curricula, ensuring alignment with regional agricultural education needs. Further strengthening this partnership, a study abroad program in Taiwan (July 1-15, 2024) enabled students from UOG and NMC to participate in VRT-based international agriculture training at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) in Taiwan. Moreover, the International Agriculture and Health Innovation Workshops (August 5-10, 2024) provided additional opportunities for students from NMC, UOG, and Taiwanese universities to engage in VRT agriculture modules and simulation development. These initiatives demonstrate a sustainable approach to institutional collaboration in advancing VRT applications in agricultural education.

Publications


    Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Target audiences reached during this reporting period include: Undergraduate students in B.S. agricultural and life sciences degree programs at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Guam. Graduate students in the M.S. degree program of Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Guam. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Provide special projects on the topic of virtual reality technology (VRT) co-advised by faculty at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan to students in agricultural and food sciences at the University of Guam. 2. Organize a short-term study abroad program for students in agricultural and food sciences at the University of Guam to learn VRT programs.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Integrate virtual reality technology (VRT) in agriculture sciences education programs. A total of 6 undergraduate students and 3 graduate students at the University of Guam were supported by the project during 2023. Objective 2: Engage more Pacific islanders in virtual reality technology (VRT). A total of 6 agricultural students from the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan were supported by the project for a one-month study abroad program at the University of Guam in 2023. The program aimed to facilitate their engagement with our Pacific Islander students in learning virtual reality technology (VRT).

    Publications