Development of BYOD-style Horizontally Movable Virtual Reality Field Trip Tool for Earth Science Education

Abstract

In Earth Science, field trips that enable a deepening of geological understanding though in-situ, multi-angle observation have recently become more difficult for educational institutions to conduct for economic and safety reasons. As an alternative, virtual reality (VR) technology can realize and bring a virtual field trip experience into the classroom. While most VR learning tools only provide 360-degree images at certain static spots and with limited immersive experience, we developed a horizontally movable VR field trip tool and tested its utility in entry-level Earth Science classrooms. We evaluate the tool as being effective and possessing the potential to supplement actual Earth Science field trips.