Summaries of Research Papers
Placing, K., & Fernandez, A. (2001). Virtual experiences for secondary science teaching. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 48(1), 40-42. Retrieved from Proquest.
The article discusses different types of virtual experiences but also has a very important distinction about them: virtual experiences are for extending and enhancing learning, not for replacing “real-life” experiences. In this case, the virtual experiences are virtual field trips and virtual geology digs. The authors argue not to replace actual field trips with these computer-based trips because nothing (yet!) immerses the student in an environment more than being in the actual environment. However, as a supplemental and parallel learning tool, virtual experiences can greatly enhance the educational quality and engagement of a science curriculum.
The article, while relatively short, has quite a few resources listed for biology and geology educators. Though the resources may be dated they still hold valuable learning structures and may link to more current research.