Hypermedia Computer Applications for the Improvement of Geology Laboratory Exercises

地质系正在购买计算机设备，用于其普通地质学课程，该课程是根据该大学的普通教育课程向非理科专业的学生提供的。必修的普通地质学实验室侧重于记录观察结果，并使用课堂上的信息来解释这些观察结果。通过使用结合了文本、图形、动画和视频的超媒体应用程序来增强常规实验。练习以自定进度的形式将讲课和实验结合在一起，允许学生测试他们的理解水平，识别错误概念，并根据需要寻找背景信息。这些应用包括从验证识别未知岩石和矿物的适当测试，到可视化地质构造和分析地震数据。

The Department of Geology is purchasing computing equipment for use in its General Geology course -- a course offered to non- science majors under the university's general education curriculum. The required General Geology lab focuses on recording observations and using information from lecture to interpret those observations. Conventional experiments are enhanced through the use of hypermedia applications that combine text, graphics, animation, and video. Exercises integrate lecture and lab in a self-paced format that allows students to test their level of understanding, identify misconceptions, and seek background information as needed. These include applications ranging from the verification of appropriate tests in identifying unknown rocks and minerals, to the visualization of geologic formations and the analysis of earthquake data.