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Challenges and Opportunities for Virtual Learning in College Geology

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Active Learning in College Science

Abstract

We researched virtual strategies that can help engage college geology students in formal and/or informal environments. These virtual strategies were accomplished by using technological advances in photogrammetry, unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), panoramic photography, gigapixel imagery, 360° imagery, 3D mapping, 3D rendering, 3D game programming, and virtual reality. The core part of our virtual strategies is the Virtual Geology Learning Toolbox which contains virtual tools such as virtual specimens in a traditional laboratory, virtual roadcut, virtual overlook, virtual helicopter tour in 3D map platforms, and virtual field trips in 3D game worlds. We developed a virtual reality application as well and brought those tools into a more immersive virtual world. In addition to the Virtual Geology Learning Toolbox, we exploited technologies to promote active participation in traditional field trips by introducing UAS and an outdoor media sharing platform. Feedback from students and instructors is very positive, although we have faced limitations in some aspects of the technology. We predict that these limitations can be addressed as the technology develops, resulting in more powerful tools to leverage active learning in college geology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA

    Youngwoo Cho & Renee M. Clary

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  1. Youngwoo Cho
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  2. Renee M. Clary
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Correspondence to Youngwoo Cho .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Biological Sciences and Science Education, California State University, Chico, CA, USA

    Joel J. Mintzes

  2. Science Learning Associates, Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA

    Joel J. Mintzes

  3. Department of Biological Sciences and Center for STEM Education, California State University, Fresno, CA, USA

    Emily M. Walter

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Cho, Y., Clary, R.M. (2020). Challenges and Opportunities for Virtual Learning in College Geology. In: Mintzes, J.J., Walter, E.M. (eds) Active Learning in College Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33600-4_44

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33600-4_44

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-33599-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-33600-4

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