"I have traveled to 34 states to collect pictures and video," says Gary A. Robbins, Professor of Geology at the University of Connecticut. From Superfund sites to university laboratories, from mines, tunnels and caves to spas fed by springs, Dr. Robbins has captured the sights and even the sounds of ground water in his new software production entitled, Virtual Ground Water Academy (VGWA). A recipient of the University of Connecticut Chancellor's Information Technology Award and author of Expedited Site Assessment: The CD, Professor Robbins is keen on using technology to enhance learning. We caught up with Professor Robbins to find out more about his new production.

Q. Can you tell us why you started the project?

A. I started this project to improve education by bringing computer game-like simulations into the classroom. Laptop and desktop computers today have the speed and power to handle very sophisticated graphics and simulations. Try playing any modern computer game and you will see. Now imagine directing the level of computer sophistication used in gaming to learning, along with the fun and excitement, and you are imagining our project.

Q. How is VGWA different than a textbook?

A. Reading a textbook is very passive. With all the multimedia students are exposed to today, cut and dry textbooks lack the zeal of today's world of high speed computer gaming and internet browsing. Although one can readily put textbook content in software or on the web, this is still very passive. Furthermore, it is even restrictive in that a student must now sit in front of a computer to study. In my view, if a student has to sit in front of a computer then let's take advantage of what a computer has to offer. Computer game-like simulations offer a means for students to learn by doing. This active educational environment is a major break from textbook learning. Students can also learn at their own pace and get immediate feedback for their efforts. These are all ingredients that enhance learning.

Q. Can VGWA be used in the classroom?

A. Absolutely. VGWA is very modular. An instructor can readily browse to the simulations, animations, video and any other element in the software and associated web site to enhance lectures. The simulations can be used as real world practice exercises before conducting actual laboratory or field exercises. The animations will help students visualize processes and how tools of the trade work. The video and pictures let students see and even hear the extraordinary world of ground water at many different scales. Students can meet a diversity of experts in the field in our video interviews. The multimedia elements will make lectures more enjoyable and exciting. They can help increase interaction between students and between students and instructors. Having a good deal of interactivity in the classroom has been shown to increase learning.

Q. Tell us more about the content in VGWA?

A. VGWA covers typical material in a modern ground water text but it has an applied slant and will stress contaminant hydrology. Of course the material is covered in a very different way using simulations, animation, video and slide presentations. My objective in traveling around the country has been to capture on video and in pictures the places, situations, tools and people that together make up the ground water field. We are interviewing many people conducting ground water related work, including researchers, state and Federal regulators and many folks in the private sector. These interviews will be available through streaming video from our web site. Also, we are visiting places that will make great interactive case histories.