Information and Communication Technology-Enabled Innovation: Application of the Virtual Field Trip in Hospitality Education

Abstract

This research examines students’ experience with an innovative virtual field trip of hotels. Students taking a Food and Beverage Management course participated in this research. The VFT included aspects of managing the food and beverage function of hotels and supplemented the delivery of face-to-face teaching to form a blended learning experience. Personal interviews with 18 students in two stages were conducted to establish their expectations and perceptions of a VFT experience. The level of innovation in this research was evaluated using a mapping framework, designed to gauge the veracity of information and communication technology–enabled innovation for learning. The results revealed that students’ learning experience was enhanced by the existence of the VFT environment. Students emerged to be active rather than passive learners, and the VFT environment helped in advancing their fundamental business graduate skills (i.e., problem solving), which is undeniably essential in preparing the hotel leaders of tomorrow.