Collaborative Research: An Integrated, Computer-Assisted Approach to Teaching Introductory Geology Laboratory

9354799 Fullagar这个项目是杜克大学和北卡罗来纳州大学之间的合作努力。 目前正在编制地质学实验室入门课程，强调采用最新信息技术，以多学科方法解决地质问题。 正在设计实验室，作为利用电子数据库结合传统地图和手工样本的案例研究。 每个案例研究都要求学生使用卫星图像，地形和地质图，横截面，三维动画和简化的地球物理和地球化学数据等工具来揭示一个地区的地质历史。强调假设的形成和检验。 学生们不仅在真实的地质问题的背景下学习事实信息，而且还看到地质学家如何使用物理，化学，数学和生物学来研究地球。此外，他们亦逐渐熟悉和适应在方便使用者的环境中使用电脑和先进的数据处理技术。 两个机构的研究人员正在设计实验室和演习。 软件编程正在杜克进行。 评价和评估主要是利用更大的介绍类在斯坦福大学。 在过去的两年里，杜克大学的教师和学生已经创建了20多个计算机化的原型“实地考察”，并对实地考察中使用的技术如何应用于地质学入门教学进行了试点研究。 因此，研究人员能够使用编程的专业知识和课堂测试经验已经在开发这个全面的介绍性实验室课程。 计划通过几个渠道进行传播，包括：1）在GSA全国会议上举办一个全天讲习班; 2）向全国所有地质部门分发一份通知; 3）在《地质教育杂志》上发表结果; 4）产品的商业出版物。

9354799 Fullagar This project is a collaborative effort between Duke University and the University of North Carolina. An introductory geology laboratory course is being developed which emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to solving geological problems using state-of-the-art information technologies. Laboratories are being designed as case studies utilizing an electronic data bank integrated with more traditional maps and hand samples. Each case study requires students to use tools such as satellite images, topographic and geologic maps, cross-sections, three-dimensional animations, and simplified geophysical and geochemical data to unravel the geologic history of an area. Hypothesis formulation and testing are being emphasized. Not only are students learning factual information in the context of real geologic problems, but they also are seeing how geologists use physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology to study Earth. In addition, they are becoming familiar and comfortable with the use of computers and sophisticated data handling techniques in a user friendly environment. Laboratories and exercises are being designed by investigators from both institutions. Software programming is being carried out at Duke. Evaluation and assessment are primarily utilizing the larger introductory classes at UNC. Duke faculty and students have created over twenty computerized prototype "field trips" over the last two years, and a pilot study of how the technology employed in the field trips can be applied to teaching introductory geology has been conducted. Thus, the investigators are able to use the programming expertise and classroom testing experience already gained in developing this comprehensive introductory laboratory course. Dissemination is planned through several channels including: 1) a full-day workshop at a GSA national meeting; 2) the distribution of an announcement to all geology departments in the country; 3) publication of the results in the Jou rnal of Geological Education; and 4) commercial publication of the products.