| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study is to investigate whether educational activities in tourism
can be supported by virtual reality technologies, using virtual world frameworks.
Settings of virtual world of SecondLife and a recent Virtual Reality technology
known as Oculus Rift were used in the thesis work with the city of Trondheim as
the main context.
Theoretical studies on Virtual Reality systems were conducted and data for the
research were obtained through empirical studies conducted in Trondheim. Data
for this study were collected on the basis of empirical studies on existing prototype
which was developed in Fall 2014, with Trondheim tourist office visitors, with
tourism professionals such as tourist guide course instructor and students attending
guide course. Data obtained were analysed and an improved version of Virtual
Trondheim, a touristic educational island, was implemented that include major
tourist attractions and some facilities to learn about Trondheim city. After the implementation
a further evaluation was done in which respondents filled a form to
express their opinions. It was conducted with high school students on Åpendag at
NTNU and visitors at tourist office and Vitensenterest. Also interviews were conducted
for detailed evaluation with tourist office employees and with students at
NTNU(Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet).
The results suggests that virtual reality systems have a potential in tourism industry.
The Virtual Trondheim in the virtual world of SecondLife have possibilities to use
it as an educational tool in tourism industry and also it can be useful for the tourist
as an information source. In addition it is possible for the tourism professionals to
use the system as educational aid and for the promotion of the place. Yet another
possibility is that this can be useful for students to learn about the place in general. | |
