Virtual Reality Enhances Education About Marine Science at University of The Bahamas

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Imagine seeing and experiencing all of the wonders of the underwater world and learning about marine life up close and personal. Now imagine doing so without having to actually swim to do it.

University of The Bahamas (UB) is using Virtual Reality (VR) to make teaching and learning marine science more innovative and inclusive for students, and it’s due – in part – to a recent gift from a researcher.

Erin Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate at Florida International University donated 14 VR headsets to UB’s Small Island Sustainability programme to be used by Marine Science students. Ms. Johnson has been working to improve the understanding of marine science concepts through modules that she developed for the headsets. Using this technology, students can conduct virtual field work without limitations and implement the practical skills they learn in the classroom. This kind of experiential learning is a part of UB’s focus on student success-centred excellence, especially as it moves closer to national and international accreditation goals.

“As a young, Bahamian marine ecologist, I know firsthand the difficulties of penetrating the marine science space and gaining in-field experiences. So, partnering with the University of The Bahamas to provide an inclusive and innovative way for students to learn and practice research skills and techniques is very near and dear to me,” notes Johnson.

“My intention is not for VR to replace authentic, environmental experiences, but for VR to be an interactive tool that provides a comfortable alternative for students that may face physical, financial, and logistical barriers to gain such experiences in the meantime. This is only the beginning.”

For Assistant Professor of Marine Science at UB, Dr. Brandon Bethel, the headsets are more than just a teaching tool.

“The VR headsets can allow students, who due to currently being unable to swim, to experience marine habitats in safe and controllable environments,” says Dr. Bethel.

“This expands the number of students that can be reached until they can have the opportunity to learn how to swim… They are no substitute for being physically in the ocean but they do allow for students of any age or physical abilities or limitations to be trained in the most recent techniques in marine environmental assessments.”

Executive Director of the SIS programme, Dr. Kristen Welsh-Unwala notes the advantage that technology affords students and sees this as a leap forward.

“The Virtual Realty headsets are an exciting opportunity for UB to expand upon its learning activities and provide practical experience of marine field skills,” shares Dr. Welsh-Unwala.

“The logistics of conducting field work in the marine environment is often an impediment to gaining real-world experience. We are excited to partner with Ms. Johnson on this important and forward-thinking endeavour.”

Students will begin using the VR headsets this Fall and the feedback from their experience will inform ongoing research.