Brief Communication: Forestry Education in a Virtual World

Abstract Field-based instruction is a key part of forestry education today, but there are often challenges with accessing hands-on experiences. Location, logistics, and financial constraints along with safety concerns can make field visits challenging for instructors and students. In recent years, the development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies suggests that these may serve as a reasonable substitute for some inaccessible aspects of forestry education. Prior research demonstrates that immersive reality technologies can enhance student engagement, improve knowledge retention, and provide safe environments for practicing high-risk skills such as chainsaw operation and wildfire management. At the University of Georgia, members of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources Virtual Forest Lab have created VR applications using immersive 360° experiences situated at the School’s Whitehall Forest and have initiated efforts to create a single tree model using LiDAR-derived point cloud as a first step toward developing a digital twin. These applications aim to supplement traditional field activities by enabling students to explore diverse forest conditions, simulate management actions, and engage in experiential learning within a controlled classroom setting. While challenges related to cost, technical expertise, and infrastructure remain, continued development of forestry-specific VR content and scalable implementation strategies may enhance accessibility and modernize forestry education. While these new technologies may not fully replace traditional field instruction, they can expand experiential learning, preparing students for the rapidly changing world of forest management. This Brief Communication explores the capabilities and functions of virtual and augmented reality use for forestry education in the classroom and describes some of the challenges encountered by the VR lab in developing these technology applications.