Group Admins
Description
The Discover Geology Augmented Reality Field Trip was designed to provide a flexible opportunity for distance-learning students on the MSc in Environmental Sciences to experience a field trip at their own convenience.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technique that involves superimposing virtual information over a real-life view of the world – in this case through the camera on a smartphone or tablet device. Using AR technology, the field trip application allows a mobile device to serve as a ”pocket geologist”, providing directions and a full commentary on the geology and natural history of the area – in this case, around Mam Tor in the Peak District. As the student walks around the route, guided by the application, key features are identified as they are approached and additional information provided. The application also includes several tools to help participants to discover and explore these features, for example – the “Fossil Finder” tool can be used to guide the student to the precise location of a fossil or other small feature in a rock face. The “Beneath your Feet” tool superimposes a geological map over the route to show exactly what type of rock the student is standing on.
Although the software was originally designed for MSc students and has been successfully used with this group, the application has also been made publicly available. In August 2013 a coach trip was run to launch the AR field trip, where members of the public along with several University staff walked the route using the new application. The feedback from all participants was overwhelmingly positive – described by one commentator as: “… one of the best constructed and useable apps that I have seen in a long time” (MBS eLearning Blog).
Although certain technical issues have been identified that will need to be addressed before the technology can be applied more widely, this project has demonstrated the potential for mobile learning to both offer equivalent educational experiences to distance-learners and to enhance the value of the field trips for organised groups. One tutor on an organised trip noted that the students were able to explore more independently while instructors could focus on aspects related to the environment on the day and allow the application to cover much of the theory and background.
This project was a collaboration between the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences eLearning team from the University of Manchester along with the Learning, Teaching and Professional Skills team at Mimas and the Manchester Museum and was supported by the Your Manchester Fund.
Participants in this session will be able to experience the field trip on their own mobile device by downloading the Junaio AR browser in advance (free download from the App Store or Google Play).
Authors
| Name | Ian William Hutt |
| Affiliation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
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spowney joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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sandman7 joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
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annehole joined the session Discover Geology: An Augmented Reality Field Trip (566) 5 years, 3 months ago
