UNDEVELOPED INSTRUCTION POTENTIAL OF VIRTUAL REALITY AND INTERACTIVE MODULES IN THE GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Attempts to make learning virtual are not new and the particular approach demonstrated in this presentation deviates only slightly from previous works, but it is worth rediscovering and refreshing some of these efforts. Several metrics have been developed to measure successes in both lab and field experiences and reference is often made to H. H. Reads statement, “The best geologist is the one who has seen the most rocks.”

This statement remains true but lacks the emphasis in no only being able to see the rock but also how it is connected to all the other rocks. Context becomes paramount to this interconnectivity between the rocks and their life cycles – which is usually where field experience falls into place.

How can a student, teacher, or any everyday citizen hope to gain a better understanding of geology break down the barrier of relating the static environment around them to the dynamic history of the Earth? Will they be capable of connecting the minute span of our lives in contrast to the millennia of Earth history?

It is the goal of this particular approach to lead the viewer not to specific geological singularities, but rather we would prefer to travel through time. A field trip that begins at a particular time in Earth’s past and journeys through Earth’s changes as we travel.

Through the use of virtual reality, the film will allow the viewer to travel over long distances, through time, and over different depositional environments. At the hands of the user will be the proverbial cockpit of a time machine. They will see distance from the beginning, latitude and longitude of present position, paleogeographical vs current geographical illustrations of where they are in the video.

Providing specific instructions on how it was completed, minimal cost of materials, and open source data for collaboration is where this program excels. Any individual or group wishing to contribute can add material, which makes this an eventual VR time machine capable of nearly anything.