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Agricultural Education uses a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction, experiential learning, and leadership education to prepare students for jobs in industry. With the recent promotion of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) as an option for educational programs, this technology allows teachers to incorporate experiential learning and give students real experiences when they otherwise might not have the opportunity. VR has been used across many industries, such as medicine, construction, manufacturing, military training programs, and tractor and machinery operation, as a form of training. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Ohio SBAE teachers' lived experiences of incorporating a VR experience and technology into their curriculum. Eleven teachers participated in semistructured interviews to describe their lived experiences. Three themes and 11 sub-themes emerged from those results. Participants described their experience as one that provided valuable benefits, introduced new challenges, and a semi-realistic interpretation of a hands-on activity. VR can be successfully integrated into skill-based instruction by ensuring teachers and students have positive user experiences, addressing students' performance, and providing a realistic interpretation of a hands-on activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury in agriculture across the United States. Use of ATVs is highly prevalent in rural areas and has seen an increase in their application for a variety of agricultural work tasks. Empirical research on the use of these vehicles for agricultural tasks and associated injuries is limited, especially in the United States. Moreover, little is known about the risk factors associated with ATV-related injuries while doing farm work. A comprehensive review was conducted to evaluate the current injury burden of ATV use in agriculture, the need for future research, and possible solutions related to agricultural ATV safety. Potential injury prevention approaches are evaluated based on the hierarchy of control, including elimination or substitution (using side-by-side vehicles instead of ATVs or modifying ATV design), engineering control (operator protection devices), administrative authority (regulations and standards in the United States and around the world), training, and use of personal protective equipment. In addition, vehicle nomenclature, risk factors, and crash mechanisms are reviewed. Recommendations to decrease the likelihood of ATV crashes and injuries are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'green industry' is one of the fastest economic-growing industries in the United States. This general term encompasses greenhouses, horticultural specialties, nurseries, and landscape services. The U.S. Department of Labor [...]