Integrating Geographic Information Systems Into Undergraduate Environmental Science Curriculum

9455331 Cromartie地理信息系统（GIS）计算机程序是空间数据分析和绘图的强大工具，被环境专业人员广泛使用。但是，本科环境研究没有专门的地理信息系统课程。该项目的目标是设计、开发和测试一套集成了GIS和相关技术的核心环境科学模块。所有的组成部分，讲座、实验室和现场，都通过地理信息系统在一个多媒体框架中连接起来。为核心课程的模块提供跨学科设置。高级学生作为核心课程的助教参与新模块的开发、测试和实施。模块强调自主教学，协作学习，小组学习和学生发起的项目。有评估综合战略的教学效果的计划。修订后的课程对环境专业本科生、其他科学专业学生和非科学专业学生的教育实践进行了显著改进。基础科学概念的研究与管理、决策和伦理的研究在一个技术复杂的框架内相结合。该项目展示了地理信息系统如何提高解决问题、批判性思维和沟通技巧。在全国范围内，该项目将成为环境科学的典范。它将制作一套交互式课件和手册，其他程序可以根据自己的课程进行调整。这些资料将以电子方式并通过出版物和讲习班传播。由于课程材料将符合国家共识的课程，其他机构应该能够以最小的修改将其纳入其中。

9455331 Cromartie Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer programs are powerful tools for spatial data analysis and mapping, widely used by environmental professionals. Specific GIS curricula, however, are not available for undergraduate environmental studies. The goal of this project is to design, develop and test an integrated set of core environmental science modules, incorporating GIS and related technologies. All components, lecture, laboratory, and field, are linked through the GIS in a multi-media framework. An interdisciplinary setting is provided for modules for the core courses. Advanced students are involved in developing, testing, and implementing the new modules as teaching assistants in the core courses. Modules emphasize self-paced instruction, collaborative learning, group learning, and student-initiated projects. There are plans to assess the pedagogical effect of the integrated strategy. The revised curriculum represents a significantly improved education practice for undergraduate environmental studies students, other science majors and non-science majors. Study of fundamental scientific concepts are integrated with study of management, decision making, and ethics in a technically sophisticated framework. The project demonstrates how GIS can enhance problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills. Nationally, this project will serve as a model for environmental science. It will produce sets of interactive courseware and manuals that other programs can adapt to their own curricula. These will be disseminated electronically and through publications and workshops. Because the course materials will conform to a national consensus curriculum, other institutions should be able to incorporate them with minimal modifications.