971432Virtual Field Trips as a ServiceClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKHundreds of thousands of students benefit from field trips every year. These trips are highly valued and are vital to give students the skills and knowledge to meet learning objectives – yet educators are facing increasing challenges in providing them. 3D Virtual World technology has been used in education for over a decade, however technical, commercial, usability and social challenges have always limited its adoption. This project will deliver a 3D virtual field trips service, which will allow groups of students to viscerally interact with a wide variety learning locations within a multi-user 3D avatar-driven environment, using computers, tablets and virtual reality headsets. The service uses gaming technology combined with a commercial ecosystem to allow educators to create and share a library of virtual field trips. The result will be improved engagement and attainment levels across field-work based studies, related STEM and humanities disciplines, in schools and in Tertiary education.