Enhancing Physical Science Curricula Through Computer-Assisted Instruction and Data Image Processing

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Gustavo Morales DUE 9552234 Valencia Community Coll FY1995 $ 20,327 Orlando, FL 328023028 ILI - Instrumentation Project: Interdisciplinary Title: Enhancing Physical Science Curricula Through Computer-Assisted Instruction and Data Image Processing Valencia Community College has a long history of providing a wide selection of comprehensive and high-quality academic programs designed to prepare students to meet changing work force requirements. The College currently faces the challenge of continuing to fulfill this mission by incorporating appropriate technology into education and training programs for a student body that has become increasingly diverse. This challenge is perhaps greatest in the sciences. Through the project proposed in this request to NSF, Valencia will target six courses in the physical sciences by infusing computer-assisted learning experiences and data image processing into the curricula. In planning this project, faculty examined several possibilities for incorporating the use of computers into the laboratory setting for the following courses: Earth Sciences, Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy, and Oceanography. The decision was made to carry out a project based on the successful curricula developed by the Center for Image Processing in Education in association with the University of Arizona. Image processing provides a powerful medium to excite students about science, especially students from minority groups and others whose needs have not been met by traditional ways of teaching these subjects. Using professional-quality software on microcomputers, students will explore a variety of scientific data sets, including earth remote sensing and meteorology data and planetary exploration im ages. While these courses will develop inquiry and research skills for all students, the project will also encourage more students to pursue professional science careers and provide them with the appropriate training in subject matter and the use of up-to-date technology for the respective fields. Valencia requests the NSF's support for the purchase of microcomputers, software, and databases to incorporate new curricula and pedagogy into the targeted courses.