Geological Society of America

T81 New Tools in the Geologist’s Toolbelt: Using Technology to Educate and Inspire Others about Geology (Posters)

Sunday, 22 October 2017
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Halls 4EF

FOSTERING INCLUSION AND INTEREST IN GEOSCIENCE COURSES USING PANORAMIC AND 3D VISUALIZATIONS

Paper number: T81-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Jennifer Piatek Presenting Author
Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
Steven Whitmeyer
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Christopher Atchison
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Anita M. Marshall
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Eric Pyle
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Susan Eriksson
Davis, CA
Helen Crompton
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Trevor Collins
The Open University, Milton Keynes
Ivan Carabajal
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Abstract

Advances in camera and image processing technologies have made the creation and delivery of high resolution panoramic and three-dimensional images practical for use in classroom and field exercises in geoscience courses. Students can interact with satellite images, landscapes, outcrops, and hand samples in the classroom via laptops or mobile devices, providing them with opportunities to visualize concepts when travel to the field or use of hand samples is impractical or impossible.

We present a set of classroom exercises that include exploration of concepts including volcanic constructs and deposits, sedimentary structures, and metamorphism/deformation that utilize these technologies to present information interactively. These visualizations are used in along with static photos and textbook figures to provide context while asking students to develop their own sketches and sample descriptions.

Some of the exercises were developed as part of our GEOPATH project “Engaging Students in Inclusive Geoscience Field Experiences via Onsite-Remote Partnerships", based on locations in northern Arizona and western Ireland. Similar visualizations to those discussed here are available from the GEODE project (http://www.geode.net). Resources such as this present opportunities for students to explore geosciences concepts in a hands-on way, especially if other obstacles prevent direct access to field sites.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 49, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2017AM-306713

© Copyright 2017 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.