Graduate Defense: Eric Hawkinson

Dissertation Information

Title: Immersive Simulations In Tourism Education: A Case Study

Program: Doctor of Education in Educational Technology

Advisor: Dr. Young Baek, Educational Technology

Committee Members: Dr. Patrick Lowenthal, Educational Technology and Dr. Chareen Snelson, Educational Technology

Abstract

This research employed a mixed-method case study approach to explore the experiences of participants in immersive tourism simulations within vocational tourism studies. Utilizing the ”My Hometown Project,” a virtual tourism platform, the study delved into simulations where groups of students guided guests through virtual tours, blending immersive technology with face-to-face interaction in the ”Future Hub,” an innovative immersive learning laboratory. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, collecting reports from groups post-simulation (Shared Immersive Experience Reports – SIER) for qualitative insights and administering post- simulation surveys to measure presence and motivation quantitatively. This approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of immersive simulations on vocational tourism education. The outcomes included insights into the effective integration of immersive technologies in tourism studies, focusing on enhancing educational experiences. The study juxtaposed narrative accounts with survey data, contributing to the development of best practices for integrating immersive technologies into vocational tourism education and offering valuable insights for educators and technologists in the field. The study suggests a complex interaction among various elements that contribute to the effectiveness of immersive tours. While adding significant value, the immersive technology acts as a multiplier that enhances traditional human interactions such as prompting visitor participation and building rapport between guides and guests.