Spatial thinking skills are crucial for success in any of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) domains, and they are malleable. One approach to support the development of student spatial skills is through the use of innovative technologies, like the augmented reality (AR) sandbox, that can also effectively teach geoscience…

This study examines "VirtualGeo", a Mixed Reality and Generative AI platform designed to enhance U.S. geography knowledge among international students. By integrating immersive technologies, VirtualGeo allows students to engage with spatial content within an interactive digital landscape. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study…

The capstone course for many Earth Science programs is a field course. To increase accessibility and to create a substitute in light of the cancellation of in-person courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed an online introductory field geology course. The course consisted of six different modules. The first was a virtual reality room,…

The "Titanic" caught the attention and imagination of the public when, in 1985, the sunken ship was discovered 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland (PBS, 2012). Since that time, scientists have conducted numerous expeditions using high-resolution SONAR working in tandem with remote-operated vehicles (ROV) to collect information used…

This article discusses modern stereoscopic displays for geographic education, focusing on a large-format display--the GeoWall. To evaluate the potential of the GeoWall, geography instructors were asked to express their reactions to images viewed on the GeoWall during a focus group experiment. Instructors overwhelmingly supported using the GeoWall,…

This study addresses several common shortcomings of current university campus sustainability initiatives, including a lack of attention to integrative issues such as land use, housing, and transportation, and a generally reactive rather than proactive approach to sustainability. To engage these concerns, we develop a model for assessing the…

Describes the use of the "Microsoft Flight Simulator" with Dutch students 12- to 16-years-old to apply mathematical knowledge to real-life situations. The use of an overhead projector for class flights is described; and student activities, including converting metric units and drawing maps of the landscape, are explained. (LRW)

Describes Maine's GAIA (Greek goddess of the earth) Crossroads Project. Elementary and secondary students prepare maps of local land and water resources from computer analyses of satellite images of the coastline. Students mix technology and environmental awareness, learning they can control their future by advising the townspeople on development.…