About the Virtual Field
The Virtual Field (TVF) connects students and educators with field stations, marine laboratories, and other research and educational sites around the world through immersive virtual field experiences, collaborative learning, and a growing network of field-based educators and scientists. TVF creates and shares virtual resources that bring authentic field environments into classrooms and other learning spaces. Through 360° videos, Ecosystem Explorations, Live From the Field events, and associated teaching materials, students can observe and compare ecosystems, engage with scientists and field station staff, and develop skills in observation, communication, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. These experiences are designed not to replace hands-on field experiences, but to expand access to them. Virtual experiences can introduce students to places, people, research, and career pathways they might otherwise never encounter while helping prepare students for future field courses, research experiences, internships, and other opportunities at Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSMLs).
Building a Connected Field Station and Marine Laboratory Network
The Virtual Field began as a grassroots collaboration among Field Stations and Marine Laboratories, faculty, educators, and technology specialists responding to the disruption of field-based education during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as an effort to bring the field to students when travel was not possible has grown into a collaborative network for expanding access to field science and strengthening connections among FSMLs and educational institutions. Today, TVF brings together Field Stations and Marine Laboratories with faculty and students from two- and four-year colleges and universities and other educational partners. Participating sites contribute virtual field experiences from diverse terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine environments, creating opportunities for students to explore ecosystems across geographic and institutional boundaries. By connecting these resources, people, and places through a shared platform, TVF provides opportunities for FSMLs to collaborate, share educational resources and expertise, reach new audiences, and demonstrate their collective value to research, education, workforce development, and public engagement.
Expanding Access to Field Science
A central goal of The Virtual Field is to make field-based science and learning more accessible to students who may have limited opportunities to participate in traditional field experiences. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), TVF is expanding this work through two complementary initiatives: a Research Coordination Network in Undergraduate Biology Education (RCN-UBE) that connects FSMLs, educators, students, and institutions around the development and use of virtual field experiences, and an Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (IUSE) project that builds partnerships and pathways connecting students and faculty with field-based learning, research, and educational opportunities. Together, these efforts are helping The Virtual Field evolve from a collection of virtual field resources into a connected network for access, education, research, collaboration, and shared infrastructure across Field Stations and Marine Laboratories.
Into the Future
The Virtual Field continues to grow through the participation and creativity of Field Stations and Marine Laboratories, faculty, students, educators, and partner organizations. We invite FSMLs and educators to contribute virtual experiences, use and adapt TVF resources in their teaching, participate in collaborative programming, and help us explore new ways to connect students with field science. By sharing places, people, knowledge, and resources across institutions, The Virtual Field can help make the extraordinary opportunities available at Field Stations and Marine Laboratories accessible to more students, while strengthening the connections that support the future of field science and education.