Integrating Geographic Information Systems Into Undergraduate Environmental Science Curriculum

Cromartie地理信息系统（GIS）计算机程序是空间数据分析和制图的强大工具，被环境专业人员广泛使用。 然而，大学生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、开发和测试一套综合的核心环境科学单元，其中包括地理信息系统和有关技术。所有组件，讲座，实验室和现场，通过GIS在多媒体框架中连接。 为核心课程的单元提供了一个跨学科的环境。 高级学生参与开发，测试和实施新模块作为核心课程的教学助理。模块强调自定进度的教学，协作学习，小组学习和学生发起的项目。计划评估综合战略的教学效果。 修订后的课程是一个显着改善本科环境研究学生，其他科学专业和非科学专业的教育实践。基本科学概念的研究与管理，决策和道德的研究在一个技术复杂的框架。该项目展示了GIS如何提高解决问题的能力，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，其他程序可以适应自己的课程。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课程，其他机构应该能够将其纳入最小的修改。

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.