About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


Memoir 111: 3-D Structural Interpretation: Earth, Mind, and Machine, 2016
Pages 53-63
DOI: 10.1306/13561985M1113671

Chapter 4: Visible Geology: Creative Online Tools for Teaching, Learning, and Communicating Geologic Concepts

Rowan Cockett, Tara Moran, Adam Pidlisecky

Abstract

Computer-based learning tools are becoming more prevalent in classrooms from elementary school to higher education. The potential value of interactive learning tools is particularly high in geoscience education. Students can benefit from interactive tools that allow them to explore different processes in one-dimensional (1-D), two-dimensional (2-D), and three-dimensional (3-D) space. Traditionally, geoscience education has relied on laboratory exercises to provide students with the opportunity to explore dimensionality. In this chapter, we introduce Visible Geology, an innovative web-based application designed for geoscience education. Visible Geology enables visualization of geologic structures and processes through the use of interactive 3-D models. As Visible Geology has been designed from a student-centric perspective, it has resulted in a simple and intuitive interface, allowing students to creatively explore concepts. We present a case study of a large first year class at the University of British Columbia, and show the utility of Visible Geology in teaching geoscience concepts of relative dating and cross-cutting relationships. The ease of use of the software for this assignment, including automatic grading, made this tool practical for deployment in classrooms of any size. The outcome of this type of large-scale deployment is that students, who would normally not experience a lab exercise, gain exposure to 3-D thinking. The level of ownership and interactivity inherent in Visible Geology encourages engagement, leading learners to practice visualization and interpretation skills and discover geologic relationships.


Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24