An Integrative Experiential Learning System for Exploration and Discovery in STEAM
Abstract
This work reports on our efforts to promote discovery and learning by hands-on interaction with technologies applied to the geospatial field. Students are increasingly visual learners and come to the university with a high level of expectation and exposure to virtual representations of the physical world. Our 3D Immersion and Geovisualization (3DIG) system fulfills those expectations by bringing together multiple technological components for cutting edge data acquisition, visualization and interaction for Earth Science education and research. Students play active roles in the design, implementation and use of the system and teams of student developers are assisted by mentors while working on individual system components. These interactions include hands-on assembling/configuration, preparation of instructional materials, instruction delivery and project management. Students not directly involved in project development benefit from implementations by physically interacting with developed solutions during classes and demonstrations. The system incorporates experiential learning by exploring sensory augmentation, including augmented and virtual reality, to translate current strategies for teaching into new classroom materials. By creating unique interaction opportunities between students and domain knowledge and technologies, we aim to improve concept understanding, retention, and to support the identification of emergent associations and to foster further exploration. Over 7400 individuals have been introduced to these learning strategies and pre- and post-exposure surveys show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Engaging students in innovative technology and presenting material in a real-world representation literally adds another dimension to their classroom experience. The 3DIG system has the power to excite students of all backgrounds and introduce STEAM disciplines that might otherwise be intimidating or perceived as being beyond a students intellectual grasp. The 3DIG is integrative in nature and the creation of historical, real, fantasy, planned and imagined realities bridges STEAM and other fields.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021AGUFMED25C..01B