@article{williams_2024, title={"Nature Environments Without Actually Being There": Virtual Recreation Experiences and Real-World Intentions}, ISSN={["2169-009X"]}, DOI={10.1177/10538259231225621}, abstractNote={ Background: Despite access to nature-based recreation, many college students do not take advantage of these experiences to improve their mental and physical health. Virtual reality experiences provide a potential pathway to motivate this population to recreate outdoors, but research is needed to determine whether virtual recreation can lead to real-world intent to recreate. Purpose: This study investigated whether virtual reality experiences influence student motivation for nature-based recreation, as measured with the intention and self-efficacy to spend time in nature scales. Methodology/Approach: As part of an introductory parks, recreation, and tourism class, students explored nature through virtual reality. The study incorporated a mixed methods design using pre- and post-experience surveys, interviews with participants, and document analysis of student assignment submissions over Instagram. Findings/Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that virtual reality can approximate real-world nature environments and provide a potential pathway for this population to access real-world outdoor recreation opportunities. Implications: In situations where real-world field experiences are not possible, educators and practitioners can use the findings of this study to assess whether a virtual recreation experience is appropriate for their audience. While these experiences do not substitute real-world nature, they may be part of a participant’s pathway to recreate outdoors. }, journal={JOURNAL OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION}, author={Williams, Nathan}, year={2024}, month={Jan} }
 @article{williams_2022, title={Exploring Outdoor Recreation Activities as a Facilitator for College Student Diversity Experiences}, volume={46}, ISSN={["1558-867X"]}, DOI={10.1177/15588661211047595}, abstractNote={ Racial intolerance and violence in the United States, and on college campuses specifically, has created a dire need for universities to bridge gaps between students of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Campus recreation programs offer promising environments for students from diverse identities to engage with each other and learn about peers, while increasing their openness to diversity. Despite this potential, little is known about how students engage with diversity in recreation contexts. This phenomenological study uncovered the experiences of students attending diversity-focused outdoor adventure trips and examined the facets of this recreation environment that contributed to engagement with diverse peers. Campus recreation administrators can use these findings to consider parallel experiences throughout recreation programs that can bring students from diverse backgrounds together. }, number={1}, journal={RECREATIONAL SPORTS JOURNAL}, author={Williams, Nathan}, year={2022}, month={Apr}, pages={42–51} }