Demographics

number of participants, average age, and gender

GO

count average average Female Male
GO 57 19.78947 19.78947 42 15

Quest

count average average Female Male Gender non conforming male
Quest 39 19.87179 19.87179 21 17 1

Overall experience of the VR tour (asked right after the VR tour)

Please choose one of the 5 options below that best describes your overall experience from the VR tour: [It’s:]

GO

Great! Good Average
GO 30 / 52.6% 26 / 45.6% 1 / 1.75%

Quest

Good Great! Average Supar
Quest 18 / 46.2% 18 / 46.2% 2 / 5.13% 1 / 2.56%

Questions below were asked after the actual lab tour

SOD

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: GO
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad  min  max range  skew kurtosis
## X1    1 57 3.36 0.55    3.4    3.38 0.49 1.73 4.33   2.6 -0.58     0.57
##      se
## X1 0.07

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: Quest
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad  min  max range  skew kurtosis
## X1    1 39 3.43 0.74   3.47    3.44 0.89 1.93 4.67  2.73 -0.19    -1.08
##      se
## X1 0.12
## 
## 
##  Welch Two Sample t-test
## 
## data:  group1.dataframe$value and group2.dataframe$value
## t = -0.48123, df = 65.846, p-value = 0.6319
## alternative hypothesis: true difference in means is not equal to 0
## 95 percent confidence interval:
##  -0.3455881  0.2113550
## sample estimates:
## mean of x mean of y 
##  3.360234  3.427350

Field trip enjoyment

(a) I enjoyed the field trip (outdoor lab) to Millbrook Marsh.

(b) I learned a lot from the field trip.

(c) Given the possibility, I would do the field trip again.

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: GO
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad min max range  skew kurtosis   se
## X1    1 57 3.68 0.86   3.67    3.71 0.99   2   5     3 -0.23    -0.89 0.11

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: Quest
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad  min max range  skew kurtosis
## X1    1 39 3.91 0.85   3.67    3.97 0.99 1.67   5  3.33 -0.47    -0.33
##      se
## X1 0.14
## 
## 
##  Welch Two Sample t-test
## 
## data:  group1.dataframe$value and group2.dataframe$value
## t = -1.3292, df = 82.479, p-value = 0.1874
## alternative hypothesis: true difference in means is not equal to 0
## 95 percent confidence interval:
##  -0.5895832  0.1172486
## sample estimates:
## mean of x mean of y 
##  3.678363  3.914530

Team work

(d) Working in a group helped to increase my understanding of the material.

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: GO
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad min max range  skew kurtosis   se
## X1    1 57 3.98 1.06      4    4.11 1.48   1   5     4 -0.85    -0.19 0.14

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: Quest
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed mad min max range  skew kurtosis  se
## X1    1 39 3.97 1.25      5    4.09   0   1   5     4 -0.75     -0.9 0.2
## 
## 
##  Welch Two Sample t-test
## 
## data:  group1.dataframe$value and group2.dataframe$value
## t = 0.033188, df = 72.869, p-value = 0.9736
## alternative hypothesis: true difference in means is not equal to 0
## 95 percent confidence interval:
##  -0.4781643  0.4943587
## sample estimates:
## mean of x mean of y 
##  3.982456  3.974359

Spatial Situation Model (SSM)

##“Even now, I could still draw a plan of the spatial environment I observed.”
##“Even now, I could still find my way around the spatial environment.”
##“Even now, I still have a concrete mental image of the spatial environment.”
##“In my mind’s eye, I was able to clearly see the arrangements of the objects presented.”
##“I was able to make a good estimate of the size of the spatial environment.”
##“I was able to make a good estimate of how far apart things were from each other.”
##“I was able to imagine the arrangement of the space very well.”
##“I had a precise idea of the spatial surroundings.” 

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: GO
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad min max range  skew kurtosis  se
## X1    1 57 3.79 0.75   3.88    3.81 0.74   2   5     3 -0.24    -0.32 0.1

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: Quest
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad  min max range  skew kurtosis  se
## X1    1 39 3.94 0.62   3.88    3.96 0.56 2.38   5  2.62 -0.19     0.13 0.1
## 
## 
##  Welch Two Sample t-test
## 
## data:  group1.dataframe$value and group2.dataframe$value
## t = -1.1194, df = 90.766, p-value = 0.2659
## alternative hypothesis: true difference in means is not equal to 0
## 95 percent confidence interval:
##  -0.4362197  0.1217797
## sample estimates:
## mean of x mean of y 
##  3.785088  3.942308

Information source

(m) Which information sources best prepared you for this field trip? (choose at most two)

GO

Direct communication from my professors or TAs The VR tour Class lecture Other Course materials
GO 27 / 47.4% 48 / 84.2% 9 / 15.8% 2 / 3.51% 9 / 15.8%

Quest

Direct communication from my professors or TAs The VR tour Class lecture Course materials Other
Quest 24 / 61.5% 28 / 71.8% 9 / 23.1% 7 / 17.9% 1 / 2.56%

Learning experience

(b) I learned a lot from the field trip.

(n) I found the actual field trip experience helpful to learn about Millbrook Marsh.

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: GO
##    vars  n mean  sd median trimmed  mad min max range  skew kurtosis   se
## X1    1 57 3.84 0.8      4    3.88 0.74   2   5     3 -0.45    -0.61 0.11

## 
##  Descriptive statistics by group 
## group: Quest
##    vars  n mean   sd median trimmed  mad min max range  skew kurtosis   se
## X1    1 39 4.01 0.77      4    4.06 0.74   2   5     3 -0.47    -0.42 0.12
## 
## 
##  Welch Two Sample t-test
## 
## data:  group1.dataframe$value and group2.dataframe$value
## t = -1.0556, df = 83.972, p-value = 0.2942
## alternative hypothesis: true difference in means is not equal to 0
## 95 percent confidence interval:
##  -0.4923277  0.1508972
## sample estimates:
## mean of x mean of y 
##  3.842105  4.012821

Open-ended responses

GO post

GO post
  1. What do you think are the main difference(s) of the actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh compared to other field trips or outdoor labs you have done (in this or other courses)?
2a) What did you like most about your actual field trip (outdoor lab) to Millbrook Marsh? 2b) Relating to question 2a) – How, if any, did the VR tour contribute to the positive aspects of your actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh? (For example, maybe something you saw in the VR tour got you prepared or excited about a particular Millbrook Marsh lab activity.) 3a) What did you not like about your actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh? 3b) Relating to question 3a) – What are the possible way(s) that a more interactive and advanced VR system (not just the VR tour you used in the lab) could have helped mitigate the things you didn’t like about the actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh?(For example, maybe you didn’t learn a lab activity in depth at Millbrook Marsh, but you can do it repeatedly in VR before or after the actual field trip.)
  1. Please share any other thoughts you may have about how VR (not just the VR tour you used in the lab) can supplement or support field trips in college education (e.g., potential challenges or opportunities).
Fresh air It was kind of tired to take a bus. I previewed the actual field so it was really helpful. I really liked VR tour and it was really helpful.
I believe that having the VR prior to the arrival to the marsh, gave a very vague sense of what it was like there. With VR, you cannot feel he temperature of the outdoors and the feeling of the ground you walk on like you can there. Also, it was nice to spend some time around the marsh in comparison to woods that I have needed to explore for other labs. I enjoyed the view overall. I got excited about seeing the marsh when I saw it on the VR. I expected more than what was still available in the pollinator area at the marsh though. I enjoyed most of it but, I wish I would have had more time to hike around and explore I feel like if they would have done a longer tour, like a walk around tour of places that we could not experience on our field trip might encourage me to return as a recreational event. I plan to do so anyways because I am curious though. If we need to see things that are extinct or we are losing due to the climate changes and global warming that might not be around for future generations to see.
This was more immersive. You could actually touch things and see the environment rather than just see it on a screen as one image. It gave me an understanding of what I would be seeing at the Marsh so that I did not just go in blindly, I had some idea. Collecting bugs. It would’ve been helpful if we could see actual bugs up close through the VR. A VR tour can help give people an experience without having to spend the money/time to actually go there. It can help give people an understanding of an environment easily.
we just didn’t see that much of the actual activities we did except the meadow It was nice to be outside of the lab and sorting the bugs were good. I kind of knew what to expect so it was cool I don’t think it needed to be as long as it was I think it could have showed us all of the experiences because I thought the VR was really interesting because I’ve never done it. I think it could definitely be used for a lot of other educational purposes.
This was more interesting and hands on which makes me remember more and retain more info. Had good intructors at the field trip made it more enjoyable plus with a group working together Getting outside of classroom setting, learned a lot better, and retained more info. Memory of this is strong and lasting compared to if we learned it in a book. The drone high in the sky pic was very cool and gave me a sense of where everything was located relative to each other and how actually big Millbrook marsh is. Seeing where the streams flow into and out. Yes positive impact. Wished I got to work in the bigger stream but the smaller stream was interesting too. Nothing besides that I loved the whole experience It would be nice to see what it would’ve been like to do the pollinator section or the big stream. Maybe if the VR had a video comparing and contrasting would be cool. Vr cant replace the actual experience obviously but it is a good learner tool if going outside is not an option.
Only field trip I have taken for a lab. Didn’t have to sit in a lab. It helped me know where I was going. The length of the trip. It would make it so that I would not have to go to the Marsh. I’m not sure to be honest
Millbrook Marsh was an outdoor lab that was a part of a bigger lab being done. It also was not your typical field trip (because it was 10 minutes off campus). I liked being out of the lab and being outside to apply what we learned in lab and to continue to learn new things about the microinvertabrate community. Also, Millbrook Marsh is beautiful and it was nice to be there. The VR gave me the opportunity to see the space and get an awareness of the set up and where we would be working. After seeing the pollinator garden and the meadow and the stream I was wanting to work on all three. It was kind of long and did not seem like our time was used best throughout the entire trip. Not sure that our time management could be adjusted using VR. It is expensive which could pose a challenge. But I would love to see an increase VR use throughout the next 2.5 years im at PSU.
Easier to find things Taking the pictures It helped a little It took a while for everyone to finish so groups that finished early didn’t have much to do N/A N/A
I have not done any outdoor labs/field trips yet. We got to get out of the lab and do hands-on activities in groups. I was able to know exactly where I was going before I got there, so I was more prepared. Nothing. Nothing. Can help get students more excited to go out and do field trips.
Haven’t done any other outdoor labs in college. Working with others. Allowed me to know the layout before arriving; better chance of not getting lost. It was cold. Wouldn’t be cold. Go to class from dorm.
this is the only field trip i have taken sorting the bugs the VR tour made me interested to see what Millbrook Marsh was like nothing i felt prepared for everything i think it is helpful in preparing students for what they will see at the actual field trip.
You are able to move in real life The peaceful relaxation that comes with the outdoors. I was able to familiarize myself with the basic surrounding of Millbrook Marsh. It was too long and the species we were finding were too repetitive. You should be able to move around in VR. I believe the VR tour should be more interactive and the VR tour should be held in an open space like a basketball court or something along those lines.
IDK IDK IDK IDK IDK IDK
It was a very interactive field trip The lab portion of the field trip and being able to be active in the environment The VR portion helped me understand where I was going and what the environment would be like prior to going on the field trip. I found most of the trip enjoyable. It could help people who don’t like bugs have the experience, without the interaction with the actual insect. I think using VR gets people more involved in the field trip and helps promote more active participation.
It was very interactive, it wasn’t just walking through the place. This cultivates learning. I like actually visiting places because I feel the full range of senses. Millbrook marsh is very interactive in that sense. I was able to have a sense of what the place looked like. I was able to see how to use the nets in the meadow to capture bugs. I thought that going out into the field to count bugs is very pointless. Learning about diveristy is important, but there is nothing that we can do to effect it. I think that the VR could show more close up videos of the instructions for the assignment, basically what each activity is doing. I think that VR is good for people who are not sure what field trips are about, and prepare them for it. It is also useful for people who cannot go on the field trip to still have a sense what it is like.
This is the only field trip I have gone on interactive Gave me something to look forward to because I had never been to Millbrook marsh I wanted to be in the water more! Can the VR go underwater? More nets will allow each student to catch their samples!
It is very interactive and hands-on. We are responsible for gathering data and we did just that while applying techniques learned in class. For other field trips that I have been in, usually its just observations. It is very beautiful and relaxing. I knew the surroundings better because of the VR tour. I am able to take into account the spatial surroundings of the marsh. I like that it is very beautiful and relaxing. Maybe learn about the techniques a little bit more. I wish I would have a better grasp of how to collect the insects. In the future, I would like for the VR tour to be tailored to our group and it will detail what exactly do we have to do. It is also helpful if the VR tells us where species will be predominant.
Going into the actual marsh was different The freedom we had, the easiness of the assignments but also learning a bit while doing it I mean I understood where everything was but overall going was more important nothing that we can control like the bugs I didnt have to deal with the bugs you dont actually have to go if you use VR
We split into groups to observe different environments instead of all observing the same area. It was nice to actually experience the environment we were studying. I don’t think we needed to be there for all three hours, especially the plant and pollinator groups. If we had more background knowledge about the marsh from a VR tour, we wouldn’t need an actually tour when we arrived. VR prepares you for the environment you are observing, which makes the actual day of observation easier.
Millbrook marsh is interesting Got out of the class Got an idea of the area Didnt do everything ourselves Get an idea of the area before going The VR is very iteresting
I have never gone on another field trip in college besides Millbrook Marsh. I liked the experience of being outside in nature and physically seeing and experiencing things that we are learning about in class. It made the learning experience much more fun. The VR tour helped give me an idea of the type of environment and areas that Millbrook Marsh provides. I liked everything about it. I liked everything about the field trip. I don’t think a different VR experience would have changed anything. Students may not be as excited about visiting the actual place since they already saw in on VR.
we were outside lab I thought the place was bigger Provide lunch! provide lunch!
I enjoyed being outside in the nice weather rather than inside. We could have just gotten samples of terrestrial bugs and had to identify them, but going out and retrieving them ourselves was a better experience. I enjoyed the VR tour for the reason that I knew what to expect when we got to the marsh. I did not like the angle of the footage, however, because at some points it looked like I was up high with nothing underneath me and even though I was sitting in a chair in lab it made me anxious. I think the terrestrial groups had to wait for the aquatic groups for too much time. We were done far before them, so we were sitting there instead of using the time to study, etc. I don’t think that more VR would have better prepared us for this field trip, at least not for the meadow aspect. I think we could use it to explore environments that are too far from campus to get there via bus.
We collected live data from their environment It was just so different compared to what I was use to It allowed me to be familiar with what I was going to visit Being the guy who had to take the photos and write the data down The VR has nothing to do with what part I didn’t like about the marsh. Keep using them. I feel like people enjoy them and it helps familiarize the environment before you even get there.
Being able to physically touch the environment the reason why everything connects and how building things can destroy the places that some of these animals and insects getting to know the place physically none none none
I don’t think I have gone to a field trip similar to Millbrook Marsh for another class. It was beautiful, fun, different, outside-of-classroom experience. The VR tour allowed me to put a picture in my mind of what to expect. The pollinator garden is where I was gonna be at, so it was good to see beforehand. I enjoyed it a lot. I didn’t think anything was bad. Maybe watch a video online of Millbrook Marsh. VR can allow others to see things they have never in the past. It could help heavily disabled people observe places they couldn’t see.
This is the only field trip I have done in Lab Seeing the streams I saw the streams in the VR tour and got familiar with them I wish I knew in advance how long it was going to be VR would not have helped I wish the VR allowed us to explore more and was less of a guided tour
I have not done any other field trips for any course. Being outdoors. I was excited by the pollinator garden and the streams, despite the fact that they were not my groups. Spiders and mosquitoes. It would be nice if the VR system was higher resolution. I wish that the VR tour was not so fast paced–I didn’t have enough time to process the information being narrated and the visual information being presented in the time allotted. Also, the inset descriptions of how to use the nets was rather disorienting and of poor resolution.
Never went off campus Got to experience a different environment Gave me an idea of what to expect at the marsh, know where to go Hard to identify the flowers we were looking at The VR could provide a label for all the flowers in the pollinating garden Opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment in which otherwise wouldn’t be possible
This is my first college field trip, so I have nothing to compare it to. Being out in the open air was nice. It allowed me to visualize where I would be before I went there. We were given way too much time to complete the lab. It could have easily been done in half the time. The VR system couldn’t really help in the disadvantage that I saw. The VR trip was very cool. Perhaps to me because I had never used a VR headset before. It can allow people to view places without them actually going there.
I have not had any other field trips. I enjoyed learning and doing activities in an environment that was not a classroom. I think it gave me a good idea of what I was walking into. When we got the tour on the actual field trip, I felt like I already knew everything. I enjoyed the trip overall. I think if the VR tour had us walk from area to area it would help more, instead of just skipping from place to place. It definitely should be used for field trips like this, it makes the experience more enjoyable and was helpful to know this information going into the lab.
first time working with pollinators nice day, nice setting prepared me well, had an idea of what i was getting into nothing i didn’t think anything was bad good to show students tons of different places without paying to go there
I have never been off campus for a field trip before. It was nice to be outside. I had never even heard of Millbrook Marsh. VR was a really cool way to get the class excited about going. At first, I wasn’t too excited when I heard about going to a marsh. The VR tour was so informative, and when we got to the actual marsh the professor gave us ANOTHER tour taking about 20-30 min. I thought that this was a bit redundant and a waste of time since we had already seen the entire marsh via VR. I thought it was sufficient. It would have been cool to use the hand controls to sweep for bugs with a net or something similar to that. However, this is probably a LOT more work and would also have a higher learning curve for students using VR for the first time. I think that VR is a really great way to help students to visualize activities they will do in the future. It would be really cool to use in activity demos by actually involving the student a bit more instead of just watching the instructor do it through VR video.
There was a lot of freedom to explore after doing the experiment. Being outside I did not feel that the VR tour truly contributed to the experience in any way that was beneficial to me I had been there previously so there was nothing new for me there. The VR could provide a way to practice the skills we needed for the lab ahead of time. VR can limit the costs and time that can be associated with field trips.
I have never done another field trip but it was better than other outdoor labs because it was in a new place to learn about. Getting to be off campus for a while to learn about something new. It made it more positive because I already knew what to expect when going there. That it took so long. Having a more interactive experience would hopefully lend toward spending less time explaining things and getting right into the actual lab. I think it was a positive way to supplement field trips.
More Bugs Having Class Outside Contributed to my excitement The spider It couldn’t have Really awesome tech that I wish was utilized more
Physical involvement, depth and direction Physically being outside Prepared and learned about location of surroundings It was long Keeping it quick and easy to naviagte Can introduce and prepare students before actual lab
You did the work outside where you collected the data instead of inside a mueller lab room That you finished your work there and not in the lab room I had an idea of what the place looked like before I went, although it looked bigger in VR the bugs The VR didn’t bother me, and it couldn’t have made it better because regardless, I don’t like bugs I think VR is only helpful to see places you can’t go as a class or as an individual. Going to millbrook marsh would have been the same with or without the VR because we actually went. But if we VR toured somewhere we couldn’t go, like evolution canyon, then it would be helpful.
Each group was split up in order to study different areas Being out of the classroom It gave me a general idea of what the marsh would look like and where the different areas were located. I didn’t like how it took a long time/how we had to sit and wait for the other groups to finish I don’t think the VR tour could’ve changed much about the actual trip, unless if the VR was connected to the student’s actual group and gave individual groups a more detailed “tour” before even going to Millbrook Marsh. (what they would find, how to record it, etc.) I think VR is a great way to introduce material to someone, but it is more helpful for students to actually go to the destination/do work themselves in order to learn something from the experience.
It was good to work within a group and get a hands-on lab experience in the field. Overall, it was a good experience. I honestly just didn’t like the bugs. The VR system could have helped me understand the layout of the marsh better. VR can be very helpful in the future in helping students get the visual aid they need before they go on a field trip.
There was more hands on experience being able to go into the actual environment to gather samples the VR tour let me know what to expect at the marsh and get straight to sampling N/A the VR could be more interactive and and allow us to look at the environment more thoroughly VR can be used in courses that discus geography or history; VR can recreate a place or time period for students to immerse themselves in
This is my first field trip Getting inside of the water and getting my hands dirty It gave me an idea of what i should wear from the environment I was observing Nothing More exploration of places It made me kinda sick so try fixing that
I have never done another field trip for any other labs. It’s different from the other outside labs I have done as it was a unique collection of different biomes versus just observing around Mueller Lab. It was a beautiful day so it was wonderful to be outside in a lovely patch of state college. I already knew where things were located in regards to each other and what way I had to travel to reach them The bugs which I understand is part of the environment so it’s okay but thats my real answer. I don’t think there was anything the VR could have done. I think they are a wonderful opportunity to know what an area will look like before arriving there as well as giving those the opportunity to have a similar experience even if they can’t travel to the Marsh due to life-threatening allergies or disabilities. Also, VR is a wonderful opportunity to travel to places far away.
This place was larger and had more variation. I liked seeing the whole place and new environments such as the stream. Seeing the boardwalks and bridges over the stream had me excited from the VR tour. How far apart everything was. Maybe give time indications about how far one area is from another. VR helps students get an image inside their heads before even going there, which helps them navigate and plan their tasks better and accordingly.
I actually knew what I was walking into due to the VR tour. I loved being able to work as a team with my lab group and to go out into the field and experience something different. Everything I saw in the VR tour I saw in person. The VR made it seem like I was there before! I felt like I only got an in depth view of the part our group was working at. The VR tour would have allowed me to go to the places we didn’t go even more. I believe it will make classes more interactive by allowing students to “leave the classroom” without having to actually go into the field.
I have never been on a field trip for another class. It was very calming, nice to get away from campus. I liked the VR tour because it put it in perspective how close it actually was to campus (the over head view when you could see beaver stadium). I think we could have left earlier, my group (Pollinators) finished with about an hour left. I wish the VR system focused on observing the pollinators more. It made me kind of dizzy when there was a video just floating in the sky.
we were able to do what we had to in groups groups gave me an idea of where to start touching bugs, finished early and had to sit there none helpful when going in a big environment, gives you a good idea of where you will be going
I have not taken other field trips I enjoyed being outside. The Millbrook Marsh is a very pretty area. I thought the VR was a very cool different way to learn about what we were going to be doing, rather than a typical lecture on it I think it was longer and more tedious than it needed to be VR could not have helped I think VR is a cool way to help keep students attention by incorporating visual and auditory learning, while also simulating that you are in the environment.
I have never had any outdoor labs for other classes, so going to Millbrook Marsh was a new experience for me. I really liked walking around and being in nature and observing the various pollinators. I really liked how real the VR tour was and when I got to Millbrook Marsh I felt like I had been there before. I liked everything for the most part. I think it would have helped having the tour guide explain everything in Millbrook Marsh before we got there. It would be helpful to increase the time length of the VR and show more features of Millbrook Marsh such as more pollinators, meadows, etc.
This one actually interested me and engaged me in a helpful way sorting and collecting organisms from the stream It helped me get a mental image of my surroundings before actually ariving Too many samples collected in too little time n/a It can put you somewhere you can’t physically get to right now which can be very useful
this is the only field trip I have been on being outside and doing something hands-on The overhead view really gave me a good idea of what the surroundings looked like, and how everything was spatially oriented nothing I am not sure A VR tour can give the student a notion of what they will be doing, which is very helpful
A break from being in a classroom n/a n/a n/a
kick-net sampling for the stream survey i liked that you could see where the water diverted to so that you could understand the central location of millbrook marsh i didn’t like the system we used for collecting data, with tubs and smaller tubs using it to also watch them collect the data and sort through them. i think a potential challenge would be with substituting field trips entirely, i think that defeats the entire purpose.
in this field trip we were hands on and in the fields with the bugs, whereas other timess we were less hands on being able to complete the labs by ourself and be in nature the VR helped because before we went on the field trip, we knew what we were getting into there was dew still on the ground, so the meadow was quite wet when we were collecting the bugs learning how to sweep the bugs and collect them and move them into different containers a VR that we can see more of millbrook marsh would be helpful
You have to collect data and identify insects and flowers in an real environment. I liked being outside. It showed me the surroundings area I was going to be in and how it looked. It was boring, nothing special just taking photos of insects and flowers. I liked being outside and see the wildlife. The VR can tell you what you might not want to do in the lab by showing you what you do in the garden, streams, and meadow. It can really help college students learn about a place before they go there: the environment, sounds, landscape, plants, and streams/rivers.
There was more variety in organisms observed. Getting to be outside instead of in lab for the morning It allowed me not to have to find my way around once we arrived. It was fun to know where everything was and then to get to see it in person. It was chilly and damp that morning. We could do more practice with net sweeping motions and stuff related to collection methods through VR before going on the trip. It may have helped collect more samples. It could work in place of bad weather, lack of funds, physical conditions/limitations of a person, and allow students to view environments they may not get the chance to view otherwise. It could also allow interaction with things/objects we may not actually be able to interact with within the bounds of real life.
We were actually active in the field and given more freedom. I liked being outside and photographing the different species. The VR tour gave me a heads up for what the space was going to look like. I didn’t dislike anything. I didn’t dislike anything. VR can help give students a preview of an area they will be touring without actually having to physically be there.

Quest post

Quest post
  1. What do you think are the main difference(s) of the actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh compared to other field trips or outdoor labs you have done (in this or other courses)?
2a) What did you like most about your actual field trip (outdoor lab) to Millbrook Marsh? 2b) Relating to question 2a) – How, if any, did the VR tour contribute to the positive aspects of your actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh? (For example, maybe something you saw in the VR tour got you prepared or excited about a particular Millbrook Marsh lab activity.) 3a) What did you not like about your actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh? 3b) Relating to question 3a) – What are the possible way(s) that a more interactive and advanced VR system (not just the VR tour you used in the lab) could have helped mitigate the things you didn’t like about the actual field trip to Millbrook Marsh?(For example, maybe you didn’t learn a lab activity in depth at Millbrook Marsh, but you can do it repeatedly in VR before or after the actual field trip.)
  1. Please share any other thoughts you may have about how VR (not just the VR tour you used in the lab) can supplement or support field trips in college education (e.g., potential challenges or opportunities).
We actually had to go off campus. I liked being in the creek and finding organisms. It helped me understand where we were going and what it looked like before we went on the field trip. We only got to sample organisms in one area. You could “explore” the different areas more in depth that you didn’t get to do on the field trip. VR can help with understanding what a field trip will actually be like before even going on the trip.
N/A leaving felt more prepared dealing with wet plants and invertebrates if we could look at invertebrates based on where they might be found in the field but on the VR system N/A
Millbrook Marsh was more hands on and you had more options of where you wanted to go. I liked getting out of the lab room. It helped me get an idea of where everything was before hand. I do not like bugs so I was afraid I would get something on me. The VR made you feel like you were outside but really you weren’t. This eliminated bugs. This would be really helpful in the future and it is different. It might be easier for students to learn.
The millbrook marsh tour was very constrained with what your group did in terms of activity engagement I enjoyed being in the stream and trying to find macros It made me excited to be in/ register for the field group The activity involved essentially picking bugs from samples if we would not have been prepared/ allowed to get in the stream It could have explained more that way when we arrived at Millbrook we could get right into the activity instead of walking around the park I enjoyed the VR tour and feel that it has great potential to work more in the future
This field trip was more so to gather data, rather than observing things like you’re in a museum, although there was a hefty amount of observing. Getting to see the other areas of State College. I liked seeing the streams from an aerial view. I was in the pollinator group and we didn’t need the full amount of time given so I felt like we waisted time. I don’t think the VR could’ve helped much more. The VR itself was rather heavy, hard to keep on head.
we had to record a little more information than just the pictures that we got to go outside rather than spending the class in lab it just gave me a better sense of how big the area was there weren’t many insects out in the morning if we could move in free cam or if you could click on certain areas and it would bring you to a tour of what kinds of insects/organisms lived in that environment. it is good for exploring different environments
There was information given before the field trip so it was easier to navigate and remember the taught information to help understand the field trip more. Being able to walk a far distance to the location of study (Slab Cabin Run) and learning about the surrounding area! Being able to see the full area from above and generally locate the different stations when arriving at Millbrook Marsh The organism retrieval was very short and we didn’t stay near Slab Cabin Run the entire time Being able to move around in the VR and explore the meadows and pollinator gardens. Being able to experience all of the stations instead of just one.
It was way more hands on compared to other trips which were more observing We were outside and not sitting in a lab for 3 hours It didn’t The bus ride Have more thing to interact with during the tour Give opportunities to gain something from the VR tour so you are not just sitting there
N/A I think that doing actual hands on data collection makes the results more real and not planned out like in other labs. I enjoyed getting off campus for this lab instead of just being outside. The VR trip was helpful in navigation and giving me an idea of what I was going to be working with. It was good to see the environment in order to prepare. We didn’t all get to experience each environment. Focus more on each specific area and what you might find there. Not just a tour but the aspects of each area and the creatures. I think VR is very helpful particularly for students who are unable to go on these trips. I think it is a good preparation tool as well as a helpful tool to still complete the lab if weather gets in the way.
it was a change of scenery and more hands on than others I got to explore a new area of psu it gave me a better idea of where we would be going and where i would be working nothing i didnt dislike anything i think its very helpful in addition to field trips because it helps you get a better understanding and learn a lot about the environment in an interesting way
never done another the weather was nice and it was cool to see how many organisms there were I knew what to expect which I appreciated We could have left a little earlier my group was done with like an hour left Would like to explore other areas than just mine It was very cool and has a lot of potential
Was a much longer, more thorough field trip. I liked the fact that we were doing actual field work. I have already been to millbrook marsh 30+ times so the VR tour did not contribute too much to the field trip. Although I’m sure that if I had never been there it would’ve helped a lot. I wish it was a little longer. It would’ve been interesting to have the entire Millbrook marsh site mapped out so we could walk around and explore it in VR. I definitely think it is helpful in the sense of giving people a look into whats going on before a field trip actually happens so people can appreciate the field trip more.
It was very hands-on The fact that it was hands-on and that I got to collect the samples. It did a good job showing me instructions on how to collect samples with the embedded videos. I did not dislike anything Getting to actually walk around in the VR experience would be neat. Overall I think it does a good job supplementing the field trip, but it could never replace the true experience.
There were a lot of different ecosystems in a small area so you could see many different types of environments and organisms in one trip. It was a nice hands-on activity. I had an idea of what to expect when arriving. I was in the pollinator group and we did not have a lot of pollinators or variety of flowers to look at during this time of year. Maybe show pollinator garden at different times of the year in order to see a larger variety of local pollinators. A good way to prepare yourself ahead of time so you are not wasting time during the actual trip. Also if used after if can be a great way to help reflect on what you saw/learned.
Millbrook marsh is so close to campus but not many people have heard about it, so it was nice and exciting to go somewhere new. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful place. It was nice to know what I was going into before I actually got there. There was a lot of extra time after completing the assignment for the pollinator garden, but it was a beautiful day so I still enjoyed being outside. The VR system worked very well I don’t think there is much to improve upon. It was awesome to visualize what I was going to be doing before I had to do it.
Haven’t done any other field trips N/A It gave me an idea of what the Milbrook Marsh looked like It was cold and long It could give me a better understanding of the environemnt I am going to see. n/a
It was sunny and warm The length of the trip and the mundane natures of the task It would’ve been cool to do the activities in VR N/A
The actual field trip I was actually able to interact with my surrounding until the VR I liked the ability to go thought the different areas and see the different habitats and the diverse species that live there. The VR made me feel as if I had already been to the marsh and knew what things looked like before I had ever been there. I did not like the interacting with one area. Being able to interact and see the species diversity would be nice. VR would be helpful and realizing what is best to do and what works best. It can then be replicated and avoid anything that may strike fear. VR can assist in the preparation for what you will encounter at the marsh and give you a basis of understanding of what you will do so you can have more in depth learning and understanding when you get there.
Got to actually collect specimens Going into the stream to collect specimens It gave me an idea of what part of the marsh I wanted to collect specimens from. I wish we could have taken more samples. This question does not apply to my answer. It’s a good method to familiarize students with the what they will be doing on the field trip. I frankly enjoy the surprise aspect of the field trip which VR inherently ruins.
I usually never have to actually collect and analyze data. Being outside. It let me have an understanding of what the place looked like and I could identify the places as we walked around.s Collecting bugs. There’s nothing VR could do to ease me into collecting bugs. I think the VR did a good job; I don’t have any further suggestions.
Detailed organisms and movement Being outside and able to interact with other classmates Not knowing organisms already in the Marsh Maybe the VR tour could give an overview of the organism that could potentially be collected for each area. If field trips are too expensive, maybe these VR sets can help give museum tours, or whatever lab classes are trying to show
I think it was cool to go somewhere far off campus because it is a totally different environment and is so peaceful and quiet. I really enjoyed the peacefulness and quietness there. it seemed like pure nature. The VR tour did not contribute much. I was more fascinated with the idea of a VR tour than what I was actually seeing. I didn’t like that we were there for so long. But our group did finish early. I suppose a more interactive VR system would help us identify things better that we saw at the marsh. So we can be more descriptive in our analysis. I think VR, if presented correctly, can do a really good job at helping students understand what they’re walking into in future field trips.
it was very hands on in the experience seeing bugs that i would normally never discover it provided good examples of how to complete the tasks i did not enjoy the use of the pooter seeing in person examples of how to operate the equipment it would be helpful if it was more interactive to keep the user engaged
The field trip to Millbrook March was more hands on then the field trips I usually went on. Being in nature Gave me an idea of what I would be going to no complaints Doing a more hands on VR tour could help prepare you better It can take you places you might not ever go
The Millbrook Marsh gave us a broader area to experiment and explore. I enjoyed getting to do most of the activities on my own or with a group while knowing a helping hand was always nearby. The VR tour gave me a general idea of what the Millbrook Marsh looked like and what we would be doing while we were there. This was much better than going in blind. I wish we were doing more interesting experiments there. I think a first point of view of how to collect the data and analyze it would be very helpful. I think it should be used more often as it helps prepare a person for a lab extremely well.
I think the actual field trip was more immersive than other field trips I have been on. We actually got to see organisms and do field work, and in doing so learned more about the outdoor environment that we live in. Plus, I was introduced to Millbrook Marsh for the first time, and I plan on going back to look at more wildlife. The stream kicking part of the VR tour made me excited to see the things we would get from the stream. Additionally, having the drone view of the marsh helped me become more spatially aware of where everything is, and how large the marsh is. I did not like how we only got to do one of the environments. I realize that there are time constraints, but I think it would have been interesting to sample the other environments as well. I didn’t like the fact that we didn’t get to go witness the other areas, and certain things (like not getting to go into the stream itself) were less interactive. I think that including a part where you can do your own stream kicks and net sweeps and count the “insects” that come up into your nets would be very interesting. I think that an interactive VR tour would be more inclusive for students who could not make the trip to Millbrook Marsh. I also think that it is a good supplement to add before the lab to explain what we will be doing before we get there, so we can work more effectively at the trip.
It was an unfamiliar environment, so it was fun and engaging to explore and actually get off campus I just loved being outside and getting my hands on stuff and physically doing the thing. The VR tour was helpful in getting a base knowledge of the layout of the marsh and where things were before even getting there. I would have liked to do more with the stream and the marsh ecosystems, as well as the larger vertebrates that use this area. It would have been cool to get a glimpse into each of the tree sectors, the pollinator garden, the field, and the stream, and actually see at a more mocroscopic level what’s going on in these areas. Id like to see it being used for more close-ups of things, such as microscopic levels of looking at stuff.
there was a lot of prep before the trip being outdoors it showed the techniques needed for the trip well n/a n/a the vr was a little disorienting and blurry but could definitely help students in the future to prepare for complicated labs.
Being in the great outdoors. I did not like sorting the insects. Could have shown what each group did in detail. No additional thoughts
I have not done any other outdoor labs to compare this experience. I liked being able to explore the marsh after collecting all the pictures. I liked looking at the rivers from an above ground view to see how they run through the marsh. It was hard to take pictures of the pollinators this late in the season. We could see the exact plants we would be exploring in the lab. If you do the lab VR, you wont have to risk going outside with the class with allergies, diseases and weather.
Millbrook Marsh was more hands on than any other field trip. I liked the scenery the most. The net moving technique got me excited for this lab. I did not like the length of the trip. The distance of each habitat distance could be shown better. I enjoyed the VR tour and it help me figure out what the field trip was going to be like.
This field trip was more independent. We didn’t have a specific guide or instructor all of the time, we were able to work where and how we wanted to. I liked the atmosphere of Millbrook Marsh, the field trip was laid back, and the Marsh itself was really pretty. The VR tour helped me understand the layout of the marsh better, especially when it gave us bids eye views of the different areas in relation to one another. The only thing that I didn’t really like about the field trip, was that my group had finished and then we were waiting around. However, other groups were still not done yet so that factor is somewhat difficult to avoid. The VR experience would not have an impact really on the amount of left over time at the marsh seeming as how it varied for different groups. I think the VR experience can be used in a variety of ways in college, especially to have virtual places to areas less accessible to students.
It was more structured The weather It didn’t Time waiting on other groups to finish No ways I think its beneficial if groups are going to be really dispersed in a site
I have never done other field trips or outdoor labs Not being in a classroom nothing We spent too much time there We couldve learned everything just the same I liked the VR because it is different from sitting in a classroom even though it was in a classroom setting and for the actual field trip it was nice to actually touch and feel the animals
The field trip seemed like actual field research rather than a lab assignment. Working in the field Groupwork I more immersive experience of sampling the ecosystems would have been helpful I think it can somewhat prepares you for the trip. By knowing the environment a little better, you can focus solely on the work you have to accomplish.
Many outdoor labs are only on campus Being outside and observing organism in their natural environment The VR experience gave me a different perspective of the marsh that I would not have gotten from going there (aerial view) The bus N/A Many classes in science, geography, and possible landscape architecture would benefit from VR
Compared to other field trips where I sampled macro invertebrates, there was not much difference There was a gym in Pokémon Go there that I battled after the lab work was done The VR tour did not help me at all The time we were there was much longer than we needed to do the work there Have an environment I could explore rather than teleporting me around It can help you understand the area and what will be happening there in advance if used properly.
None really it was pretty typical data collection out in the field I liked the streams that ran through the marsh. Seeing the VR beforehand helped me get a visual understanding of the Millbrook Marsh space That both section of the lab went at the same time I’m not sure, the VR resolution needs to be much higher for any student to actually be engaged by it VR should be upgraded
Getting outside Really wish having access to handheld lens to observe the creatures Be able to click specific part inside the vr Please have some one sanitize the Headset

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