Project Description

Simulated Marine Field Research: an evaluation of a situated learning environment

Major field based research is prohibitively time consuming and expensive to be undertaken by students in most marine science courses. Frequently resulting in marine science graduates and research students lacking the knowledge and conceptual understanding of problem solving in practical fieldwork necessary for postgraduate research and employment. An interactive learning product (CD-ROM & WWW) was developed to address this gap in discipline specific skills and knowledge required by Marine Science graduates. The major learning resource simulates data collection processes in the marine environment.

This action research project aims to test the validity of the claims made by course developers that the products enable students to achieve intended learning outcomes by improving and transforming the learning experience and by providing an effective and efficient alternative to some aspects of fieldwork experience. Research will also identify changes in teaching and learning practices and the building of new strategies to assist the teaching and learning process resulting from the use of these learning environments.