Virtual field teaching has evolved: benefits of a 3D gaming environment

Argles, Tom; Minocha, Shailey and Burden, David (2015). Virtual field teaching has evolved: benefits of a 3D gaming environment. In: Geology Today, 31(6) pp. 222–226.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gto.12116

Abstract

Conceived as a means of fostering practical fieldwork skills for distance learning students at the Open University, Virtual Skiddaw represents a new breed of virtual field trip. Based in a 3D virtual world modelled on real topographic and geological data, the application offers multi-user functionality, opportunities for detailed observation and a wealth of interactive features. Far from replacing physical field courses, it is intended to complement, enhance, extend and provoke reflection on existing field teaching. However, such virtual field trips could prove ideal for introducing fieldwork, either at undergraduate level or in schools, and across a range of subject areas.

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About

• Item ORO ID
• 44881
• Item Type
• Conference or Workshop Item
• ISSN
• 1365-2451
• Project Funding Details

• Funded Project Name	Project ID	Funding Body
  Wolfson OpenScience Laboratory (RS-12-004-SS)	PR/ylr/18587	The Wolfson Foundation

• Keywords
• virtual field trip; Unity 3D; geology; distance education; multi-user; fieldwork; spatial literacy
• Academic Unit or School
• Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Computing and Communications
• Research Group
• Centre for Research in Computing (CRC)
• Copyright Holders
• © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd, The Geologist's Association & The Geological Society of London
• Related URLs
• • https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/geol...(Other)
• Depositing User
• Thomas Argles