Abstract:

The learning effectiveness of field study has been proved by different research. In recent years, field study in a virtual setting has become popular because of technology advancement, the promotion of e-learning and blended learning, as well as a changing context brought by the pandemic. This project aims to explore how virtual fieldtrips can enhance the teaching and learning of geography and related subjects in secondary and tertiary education. Two virtual fieldtrip teaching and learning packages will be developed using VR CAVE and ArcGIS StoryMaps. The virtual fieldtrips will highlight the industrial development and industrial heritage in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China, using iron and steel industry as an example. The packages can be used for supporting e-learning and blended learning of different subjects, including geography, general studies, community studies, tourism and/or heritage studies. Students will be engaged as co-designers, demonstrators, or participants to facilitate the design of the virtual fieldtrip teaching and learning packages. Real fieldtrip to industrial heritage site will also be conducted, and the learning experience and effectiveness of virtual and real fieldtrips will be compared. As pre-service and in-service geography teachers will be involved in the project, the impacts of the project will be extended to secondary education.

Code:

T0279

Principal Project Supervisors:

• LIU, Shuwen Karen

Keywords provided by authors:

• Virtual fieldtrip
• Geographical education
• E-learning
• Blended learning
• Experiential learning

Start Date:

01 Nov 2023

End Date:

30 Apr 2025

Status:

Ongoing

Financial Year:

2023-24

Type:

TDG