With the real microscope and thin section a student faces not only learning how to manipulate the microscope but also has to acquire new skills in mineral and textural identification. Initially, the fomer get in the way of the latter. With the Virtual Microscope there is no worry over such a situation and the student can concentrate on the geological features of mineral and textural identification and subsequent interpretation. One also can rely on each and every student examining the same field of view in which the specific features to be demonstrated are well displayed. The images and colours are also every bit as good as presently obtained on the type of basic microscope used in introductory classes.
Introductory classes are often large with substantial numbers of subsidiary students.
Such classes are perhaps served best by concentrating on ensuring that the geological significance of petrographic analysis, rather than the skills of microscopic dexterity, are implanted with the student. I am sure that in many courses there has been some consideration as to whether optical mineralogy might be better taught at a second year level and omitted from introductory classes. This would be detrimental, but the pressures on course contents and time allocations do not appear to be abating. In such situations I am sure that the Virtual Microscope would provide the means to allow a adequate standard of petrographic analysis to be sustained. The Virtual Microscope represents an excellent example of the application of IT in teaching.