FAQs
At some point there will be a virtual field trip with integrated interpretation. Guidance will be provided separately for the others, but this will be in a password-protected forum. The reason for the latter is to allow most of the virtual fieldwork resources to be used flexibly at a range of academic levels, including for assessment purposes. Besides, virtual fieldwork with integrated interpretation can be rather passive for the viewer.
You need a computer, laptop or other mobile device, with an internet connection. There is no requirement for any browser plug-ins, although the browser itself should be reasonably up to date (compliant with HTML 5).
That would be great, and it is undoubtedly the future. At this point, however, creating a genuinely realistic landscape in which you can navigate anywhere would be hugely expensive to develop, and would also require the user to have high-end graphics processing hardware.
I am more than happy to discuss new projects, but please be aware that the main development work (other than fieldwork) usually takes place in whatever time I can find around my main commitments. As such, I am really looking for mutually beneficial collaborations – preferably projects with multiple outcomes. For example, you may be able to contribute to the development of the resource in some way. Or there may be publication opportunities (pedagogical and/or research).
That would be great. The resources are free to use, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know how you are planning to use them, and provide some feedback on how it goes. This enables me to demonstrate impact, and provides justification for continued investment of time and other resources.
I am happy to help if I can. However, please be aware that this project continues to be developed on top of my other commitments, so I don’t have a lot of spare time.
This is a limitation of iOS, but it should not really detract from the viewing experience.
There is an updated virtual field trip for the Moiry Valley. This is one of the most popular sites on VR Glaciers, no doubt because of the spectacular landscape and the opportunity to step (virtually) onto the glacier. Since the original virtual field trip was developed, the glacier has undergone dramatic changes in its lower reaches.
Until now, all the virtual field trips on VR Glaciers have been self-guided. That is, they are provided without interpretation. I have taken this approach because it provides the flexibility for the same virtual field trip to be used in different ways. During the pandemic, for example, I heard how the Arolla virtual field trip
I'm a Physical Geographer at the University of Worcester (England, UK). Interests include mountain glaciers, mountain geomorphology and Quaternary environmental change. I'm also interested in the use of virtual reality in teaching.
In order to support the ongoing development of this site, it would be really helpful if you could let me know why and how you use the resource. I’d also appreciate hearing any ideas you may have for improvements. Thank you!
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