Immersive Approaches in Geoscience Education

Ryan Kromer (School of Earth and Environment)

Project overview

My Fellowship explores how extended reality (XR) technologies can support geospatial visualisation and enhance field-based learning in applied geoscience education. It investigates how immersive and interactive XR approaches, including web-based virtual reality (webVR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), can help students understand complex spatial relationships while also improving engagement. Rather than replacing traditional fieldwork, the Fellowship examines how XR can complement in-person experiences by supporting preparation, consolidation, and inclusive access.

The research approach

I was inspired by a mix of professional experience and teaching practice. My earlier work in industry developing augmented reality learning activities, together with my research on 3D outcrop models and geological hazards, highlighted the potential of immersive technologies to support spatial understanding. This interest grew through teaching, where access to some important field sites has become limited or is no longer possible. The Fellowship developed from a desire to retain the educational value of these sites and create immersive virtual field experiences that feel realistic and engaging, while also exploring how XR can be used alongside traditional field teaching.

The Fellowship combines the development of XR learning resources with the evaluation of student learning experiences. XR resources will be embedded within undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and will include web-based VR resources, headset VR experiences, and mixed reality teaching sessions. Student experiences will be evaluated through questionnaires combining quantitative measures of engagement, accessibility, and perceived learning value with qualitative open-ended feedback. This approach will enable both an overview of student responses across cohorts and deeper insight into how XR supports geospatial understanding, learning confidence, and inclusive field-based education.

Through this Fellowship, I aim to develop and explore XR-enhanced learning approaches that support geospatial understanding and field-based education in applied geoscience. I hope to investigate how immersive technologies can complement traditional fieldwork, including their potential to improve accessibility and support student learning. The would also like to develop lessons learned and practical insights to support educators seeking to implement XR thoughtfully and effectively within their teaching practice.

If you want to find out more details about this fellowship or what the next steps were upon completion please read the full snapshot or contact Ryan Kromer

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kromer-6ab4564a

Project start date: September 2024