In the first edition of their new smart course, the Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration published the results of recent research which showed that a student-centered hands-on learning accelerated student’s understanding of science-based concepts.
Written by: @VanessaHampton
The results of the study released in the peer review journal, Astrobiology of 5th April 2018 demonstrated an improved learning experience for students when simulation and virtual field trips are used to teach chemistry, biology, and physics.
By NASA / JPL, Public domain
It is no news that science has found itself regarded as an exclusive, fantastical and mysterious field. So much that some people believe it can only be understood by science majors.
Habitable worlds or HabWorlds created by the Center for Education Through eXploration (ETX) at ASU, with support from NASA and the National Science Foundation aims to bridge the gap between science and the world and present science in virtual, simulated imagery for everyone.
Science Explained Through Virtual Field Trips and Simulation
This will undoubtedly be of significant advantage even for the so-called ‘science geeks’ who already seem to have a knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics. Before now, in some parts of the world, teaching science and understanding it has mostly been theoretical. Students work hard to memorize facts and figures they might not completely understand. But with HabWorlds, mastery, renewed appreciation and understanding of science will be assured.
Virtual field trips are an interactive, simulated way of learning that was introduced in 1995. In using virtual field trips, students are exposed to video conferencing, virtual worlds and web pages to explain complex subjects in real time.
The ASU online smart course, HabWorlds has since been taken by over 5000 students since its introduction in 2011.
The just released result of the research which showed an increase in student’s grade, understanding and appreciation of science culled from the past five years is a win for science.
With HabWorlds, science can be brought to every doorstep.
References
ASU online science course brings to life a new way of teaching
Virtual field trips
Habitable Worlds: Delivering on the Promises of Online Education
Virtual field trips
Habitable Worlds: Delivering on the Promises of Online Education
First published on STEEMNEWS.ONLINE by @VanessaHampton
https://steemnews.online/science/@vanessahampton/habworlds-a-revolutionary-way-of-teaching-science
Good read.
Are you planning to join @originalworks this weekend and write about FarmaTrust ? Your previous post about effect.ie has been really easy to read. I think you should join this contest again :)
Also I've made my first contest ever. Would you mind checking it out and sharing your feedback? And perhaps also commenting as Im interested what is your view on discussed issue:
https://steemit.com/blockchain/@crypto.piotr/mini-contest-how-ai-supported-by-growing-blockchain-technology-can-change-the-world
I would really appreciate if you could share some of your experience with me :)
Cheers, Piotr
And obviously upvoted and followed :)
I'm thinking about doing that. Thanks
Great. Share link if you will write for that contest :)
Yours,
Piotr
I believe virtual reality has great potential as an aid to learning. Not only for science as you point out in your post but for almost every aspect of the school curriculum. Imagine being able to walk around Stonehenge or explore the ocean depths from a classroom. There will, of course, be some potential hazards. I can foresee people becoming 'lost' in a virtual world and not wishing to return to the real one. Trained councillors will have to 'go into' these virtual worlds and help the person to let go. Might make a good topic for a future post!:-)
True. The possibilities as well as the dangers it poses are endless. Not just science, but it would completely change learning forever. Now you've gotten me thinking. Thanks.
What does the course exactly teach though? I mean since we haven't really explored habitable worlds as yet.
it teaches science using simulation and virtual field trips in real time.
Hi @vanessahampton did you have a link to Astrobiology?
Knew it would pique your interest.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2016.1550
Yes, thank you! You should put that in your references as well :)
nice post