Abstract. The Stratigraphy, Structure, Tectonics (SST) course at James Madison
University incorporates a capstone project that traverses the Mid Atlantic
region of the Appalachian Orogen and includes several all-day field trips.
In the Fall 2020 semester, the SST field trips transitioned to a virtual
format, due to restrictions from the COVID pandemic. The virtual field trip
projects were developed in web-based Google Earth and incorporated other
supplemental PowerPoint and PDF files. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual field experiences in comparison with traditional on-location field trips, an online survey was sent to SST
students that took the course virtually in Fall 2020 and to students that
took the course in person in previous years. Instructors and students alike
recognized that some aspects of on-location field learning, especially those with a tactile component, were not possible or effective in virtual field experiences. However, students recognized the value of virtual field experiences for reviewing and revisiting outcrops as well as noting the
improved access to virtual outcrops for students with disabilities and the
generally more inclusive experience of virtual field trips. Students
highlighted the potential benefits for hybrid field experiences that
incorporate both on-location outcrop investigations and virtual field trips, which is the preferred model for SST field experiences in Fall 2021 and into the future.
The Mid Atlantic Appalachian Orogen Traverse: a comparison of virtual and on-location field-based capstone experiences
