To promote geology as a career and upskill geoscience graduates in 3D modeling skills, the University of Canterbury initiated a project to equip students with work-ready skills to solve complex problems, supporting global social and environmental sustainability. The project required integrating modern digital techniques and 3D visualization in the classroom for practical and field-based tertiary teaching. However, the university realized they needed a user-friendly, cost-effective software for introductory students to bridge the gap to using more complex programs.

The school selected Visible Geology to integrate fundamental geological concepts in their introductory course, preparing students to use Leapfrog in the second-level companion course. Using the free, web-based software, students created simple, changeable examples of common geology scenarios. The solution has enabled the university to move from paper-based teaching methods to 3D digital modeling and visualization, supporting hands-on and field techniques. Incorporating innovative digital practices in their geology program, they have resisted the global downward geoscience enrollment trend with a 10% to 15% enrollment stabilization for 2024.