Interactive virtual fieldtrip as a tool for remote education

Abstract:

Geological fieldtrips tend to be viewed as a traditional component of geoscience learning, in order to comprehend the natural processes that act and form the geoenvironment. Virtual education provides alternative ways to acquire knowledge and with the proper tools it is possible to implement distance learning in a more interactive manner. During the outbreak of the 2020 pandemic, Covid-19, utilization of digital tools and geographical data, enabled visualizing geological environments, providing an alternative teaching practice, adequate to substitute in-class lessons. Within this framework, learning is no more a task-oriented process and knowledge is no longer transmitted but shared within a learning community. Distance learning offers not only better practices, but also creates a sustainable virtual learning world, especially for university students.

Within this context, a virtual fieldtrip at Naxos Isl. Cyclades, Greece, was designed to be utilized as a teaching tool. The coastal zone of Naxos is diverse, mainly due to the lithological variety and tectonics that have affected the wider region. The evolution of its coastal zone during the Holocene has produced several coastal lagoons, dunes, tafoni, beachrocks and notches, making the island ideal for training students on coastal geomorphology issues. The virtual fieldtrip focuses on the coastal evolution of Naxos Isl., discussing topics such as Holocene relative sea level changes, palaeogeographic reconstructions, coastal hazards, aeolian environments, anthropogenic pressures on the coastal environment and adaptation measures.

Using the digital tools of online navigation and spatial analysis, in combination with data such as satellite images and interactive maps, students will have the opportunity to enjoy a learning experience that makes more autonomous learners, gaining metacognitive skills during the process. Webmaps, interactive tools, audiovisual material develop learning and teaching skills by enhancing self-productivity and by providing a better viewpoint of the studied area. Due to all the aforementioned features, a virtual field trip can be well considered as a creative and effective way of covering the ever-increasing need for quality remote learning.