Premium
Virtual field teaching has evolved: benefits of a 3D gaming environment
Author(s) -
Argles Tom,
Minocha Shailey,
Burden David
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
geology today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.188
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1365-2451
pISSN - 0266-6979
DOI - 10.1111/gto.12116
Subject(s) - field (mathematics) , trips architecture , reflection (computer programming) , ideal (ethics) , metaverse , subject (documents) , range (aeronautics) , complement (music) , computer science , mathematics education , human–computer interaction , virtual reality , world wide web , engineering , psychology , epistemology , mathematics , philosophy , parallel computing , pure mathematics , programming language , aerospace engineering , biochemistry , chemistry , complementation , phenotype , gene
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.