Integrating GIS Technology into the Undergraduate Learning Environment

目的本项目旨在将地理信息系统(GIS)整合到本科课程中。目前，只有高级本科生和研究生才能接触到地理信息系统。该项目将通过三项举措扩大机会：让世界区域地理学的普通教育学生接触计算机化地理信息技术的力量；将高年级的城市地理课程从基于课堂的学习转变为基于地理信息系统技术的学习；扩大地图学、地理信息系统和土地利用分析课程等高级地理专业学生获得计算资源的机会。方法通过将现有的地理信息系统/制图学实验室改造成一个现代化的联网学习环境，将25个学生工作站连接到一个专用的Windows NT服务器，从而实现这一提议的目标。已经利用现有设施在有限的基础上启动了三项课程改革，一旦实现了扩大使用地理信息系统的机会，将全面实施这三项改革。意义地理信息系统正在对现代地理学和地理教育的性质产生革命性的影响。对于非专业学生，地理信息系统提供了一个图形丰富的可编程学习环境，用于获取有关世界的信息和发展空间推理技能。对于地理专业的学生来说，地理信息系统代表了一种先进的信息技术，可以帮助学生学习重要的地理概念。对于高级本科生，地理信息系统提供了广泛的具有挑战性的高科技职业和研究机会。最后，值得注意的是，本实验将使用网络管理软件来促进教学支持。如果这种方法被证明在监测和回应学生的需求方面是有用的，这将是这个项目中开发的额外的有价值的信息。*

Objective The objective of this project is to integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into the undergraduate curriculum. Currently, only advanced undergraduate and graduate students have access to GIS. This project will expand access through three initiatives: Exposure of general education students in World Regional Geography to the power of computerized geographic information technologies, Conversion of an upper division urban geography course from lecture based learning to GIS technology based learning, Expanded access to computing resources for advanced geography majors in cartography, GIS, and land use analysis courses. Methods The objectives of this proposal will achieved through the conversion of the existing GIS/Cartography lab to a modern, networked learning environment with 25 student workstations connected to a dedicated Windows NT server. Three curriculum innovations, which have already been initiated on a limited basis using the existing facility, will be fully implemented once expanded access to GIS has been achieved. Significance GIS is exerting a revolutionary impact on the nature of modern geography and geographic education. For non-majors, GIS offers a graphics-rich, programmable learning environment for accessing information about the world and for developing spatial reasoning skills. for geography majors, GIS represents an advanced information technology that can facilitate the learning of important geographic concepts. For advanced undergraduates, GIS provides a wide range of challenging high-technology career and research opportunities. Finally, it is noteworthy that this lab will make use of network management software to facilitate instructional support. If this approach proves useful in monitoring and responding to the demands of the students, this would be additional valuable information developed in this project. *