Virtually in the field … blending in-person learning with equitable access to the field (Keynote).

Description

Five years since the Covid-19 panademic expedited the transition to online and alternative forms of field trip delivery and learning experiences within higher education, what progess have we made since 2020 and where are we headed in the future? This talk will explore the development of new learning environments and new approaches to fieldtrips to provide inclusive and accessible field-based learning in both the field and in virtual spaces. We will explore the digital approaches (e.g. StoryMaps, Google Earth Engine, cloud-based, social media), and blended approaches to learning that not only enables students to pre- and post-visit field sites but has ensured that learning has become more interactive and activity-led through scaffolded exercises, guided tours (360 imagery, pieces to camera field delivery), the opportunity to gather data remotely, and the advent of live field broadcasts and private 5G networks to facilitate the digital collection of data and co-working between those on site and those back in the department. Finally, we will consider if these more equitable approaches do address issues of accessibility and inclusion for many students, and are the future of fieldwork.

Period	28 Aug 2025
Event title	Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers Annual International Conference 2025: Creative Geographies
Event type	Conference
Location	Birmingham, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International