The Virtual Global Space Exploration Education Portal

Paper number

IAC-06-E5.3.01

Author

Ms. Carol Oliver, Macquarie University, Australia

Year

2006

Abstract

New information technologies have evolved from space exploration – 3-D visualization ‘lenses’ and a growing suite of tools that allow access to exploration, analysis and interpretation of often complex information by a range of end users including the public, communicators, and policy makers. These tools have only become viable in the past year or two with the combination of the availability of inexpensive, but powerful, personal computers and widespread use of the Internet. The development of these ‘lenses’ and tools open the way to new imaginings and a future revolution in public awareness and perceptions of space exploration. 

A new study group under Commission 6 has been established, entitled ‘Future Directions of Space Exploration Education’, to build a Virtual Global Space Exploration Education Portal (VGSEEP) to open this revolution to all audiences, not just students. This paper describes the initial stages of VGSEEP, and two international projects that are already employing a suite of NASA-built lenses and tools – one from Australia that opens a Mars analogue site to audiences using these tools and another from the US that will allow more than 80,000 participants worldwide to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge and help develop a better understanding of salinity issues in the global environment. 

The NASA Learning Technologies suite of ‘lenses’ and tools will be demonstrated: World Wind, a 3-D globe that provides insights into our planet from space and almost down to ground level; the Virtual Field Trip that explores at ground level in 3-D; the Virtual Lab, which allows a range of samples to be examined via a virtual light microscope and/or a Scanning Electron Microscope and What’s the Difference?, which allows users to manipulate information in a multi-graphical interface.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E5.3.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E5.3.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.