The use of digital tools in geoscience education (webGIS, digital photogrammetry, 360º imagery), supplements conventional teaching methods and enables greater flexibility and inclusion in field learning. Research on learning and use of digital tools suggests that these modalities provide flexible and convenient learning experiences, allowing students to explore environments that may not be accessible in person, and enhance inquiry-based learning. _x000D_
This paper uses teaching at University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), in Longyearbyen/Svalbard, as a case study for pedagogical research on field-based learning in geosciences higher education. At UNIS digital tools have been in use in geoscience courses since 2016. Specifically, VRSvalbard.com and Svalbox.no platforms, have been used to supplement fieldwork, displaying virtual field guides of arctic environments with a collection of high-resolution images and 3D data (photospheres and 3D models) for immersive and interactive learning in the classroom. As technological development is consolidated the aim of this paper is to understand how and to what extent can virtual field guides be used to supplement field-based learning activities. _x000D_
We discuss the specific strategies on the usage of these digital tools adopted by instructors as well as students’ perspectives over virtual field guides and digital field representation in pre, and post-field trip activities. The data to be analyzed will be collected though structured questionnaires and interviews with participants of AG-209 and AG-222 courses at the end of the current semester. _x000D_
Our hypothesis on the results of the development and use of these tools are that instructors will be able to, before heading to the field, better introduce students to field sites, ensuring that time in the field will be use more effectively. Also, after field trips, teachers will use the tools and possibly reinforce learning goals in lectures to help students reflect on their experiences.

Rafael Kenji Horota, Marius Jonassen, Kim Senger, Marie Annette van der Kloet, Christian haug Eide
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and University of Bergen (UiB), The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), University of Bergen (UiB), University of Bergen (UiB),
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