The use of gaming software and hive technology in the construction of virtual field education of the tanqua karoo

Abstract

Geology is a field-based profession where it is mandatory for students to travel to distant locations for field-based training. However, in times such as the COVID-19 global pandemic, tight budget constraints, and large classes, make embarking on multiple field trips challenging. With digital technology moving to a position where “virtual” visits to geological sites could offer some of the information and interactions that are commonly acquired through field excursions, the creation of Virtual Field Trips (VFT) has become attainable. VFTs attempt to portray a real-world environment of a particular location through a compilation of data and photographs. Virtual trips also preserve geological sites for future generations and promote accessibility to people with mobility restrictions. It can also be used as a guide to rebuild and improve future virtual field trips in the field of geology. This study then aims to develop a VFT of the Tanqua Karoo study area to introduce 4th-year Geology students to the necessary information they need to understand before going on the physical field excursion. This study looks at the type of work that goes into creating a Virtual Field Trip (VFT) and its effect on improving student understanding of the area. The final reports of two different groups of students from 2021 and 2022 are studied to look at how the VFT has affected their performance.