Computer-Aided Learning Modules for General-Education Geology Courses

该项目利用多媒体计算机技术的最新发展，创建一套综合的计算机辅助学习（CAL）模块，在普通教育课程中教授地质学的基本概念。 该软件由图形密集型交互式多媒体模块组成，其中包括动画、视频、声音和跨主题的超文本链接。 模块主题包括全球地质学，板块构造，地质年代，地球内部，地球材料，全球周期，人类影响和地球的演变。 贯穿材料的问题为学生提供即时反馈，并指导他们的进步。 每个部分后的测验评估概念的实现，并提供自动评分的评估学生的进步和教学媒体的有效性。 新的模块建立在PI开发的获奖试点模块的成功基础上，并以整个开发和评估阶段收集的学生评价为指导。 最初的目标受众将是非科学专业的两个大型通识教育课程的学生（60%的新生，约10%的教育专业），由PI（生命史）和Co-PI（行星地球）教授。 这些单元广泛适用于任何地质学入门普通教育课程，并将出版，广泛宣传，并在全国范围内向大学，学院，大专和高中传播。 计划在培训小学和中学教师时广泛使用这些单元。

This project takes advantage of recent developments in multimedia computer technology to create an integrated set of computer-aided learning (CAL) modules to teach fundamental concepts of geology in general education courses. The software consists of graphics-intensive, interactive multimedia modules that will include animation, video, sound, and hypertext linking across topics. Module topics include global geology, plate tectonics, geologic time, Earth interior, Earth materials, global cycles, human influences, and evolution of the Earth. Questions throughout the material provide immediate feedback to the students and guide their progress. Quizzes after each section assess concept attainment and provide automated scoring for assessment of student progress and effectiveness of the instructional media. The new modules build on the success of an award-winning pilot module developed by the PI, and are guided by student evaluations collected throughout the development and assessment phases. The initial target audience will be students in two large general education courses for non-science majors (60% freshmen-sophomores, ~10% education majors) taught by the PI (History of Life) and the Co-PI (Planet Earth). The modules have broad applicability to any introductory geology general education course, and will be published, widely advertised, and disseminated nationally to universities, colleges, junior colleges, and high schools. Extensive use of the modules in the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers is planned.