The Waldo Library at Western Michigan University (WMU) brought virtual reality fieldwork experiences to undergraduate geology students in fall 2025, partnering with the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences and the Mallinson Institute for Science Education. The initiative leveraged the library's Tech Lab, which houses ten VR stations and a catalogue of more than 175 virtual reality applications, to pilot the use of the GeaVR application as a complement to physical fieldwork.
The GeaVR app allows students to virtually explore geological environments, including a simulation of the 1809 eruption crater at Mount Etna in Sicily. Rather than interpreting landscapes solely from contour lines on paper maps, students could navigate terrain in three dimensions and develop intuitive spatial understanding of geological features. The project was developed in collaboration with doctoral student Fredrick Magi from science education and Dr. Heather Petcovic, chair of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences.
Thirty-five students participated in the fall 2025 pilot, with approximately sixty students expected to engage with the programme in spring 2026. Assessment data gathered by Magi showed significant improvement in students' conceptual understanding of Earth and space science concepts, along with increased engagement. The project has opened conversations about expanding VR fieldwork to both science majors and non-science students.
