Learning System to Integrate GIS into Civil Engineering Curricula

这个概念验证项目正在开发用于土木工程课程的模块化电子产品。 基于网络的学习系统被用来教学生使用地理信息系统（GIS）在一个典型的土木工程项目的基础课程。 与编制一系列地理信息系统课程不同的是，地理信息系统专门知识正在作为一个单元纳入现有课程，以加强以综合方式讲授的基本概念。 原型有一个岩土工程的重点列入一个典型的土壤力学课程。 然而，基于概念验证，原型可以作为一个模板，以进一步开发其他模块（环境，交通，水文和/或建筑）在一个潜在的全面发展的努力。 本概念验证计划的主要目的是：（1）建立一个原型网上学习系统，以支持学生学习如何在土木工程中应用GIS（岩土工程重点）类;（2）进行初步的一系列评估研究与组件和迭代的这个系统;（3）以原型系统和评估数据为基础，提出全面、综合的项目建议。 选择GIS工具和土木工程（岩土工程原型）内容是因为这些学科在工程专业和当前美国基础设施需求的广泛背景下的重要性。作为一个可行的学习技术正在开发中，一个详细的了解学生如何去使用交互式软件作为一种工具，学习解决复杂的问题也正在制定。此外，该项目有可能直接影响全国各地的土木工程项目，并间接影响其他学科的GIS教学技术。

This proof-of-concept project is developing a modular electronic product for use in a Civil Engineering curriculum. The web-based learning system is being used teach students the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within the foundational courses of a typical Civil Engineering program. As opposed to generating a series of GIS courses, the GIS know-how is being introduced within an existing course as a module that will reinforce basic concepts taught in a comprehensive manner. The prototype has a geotechnical emphasis for inclusion in a typical soil mechanics course. However, based on the proof-of-concept, the prototype can serve as a template to further develop other modules (environmental, transportation, hydrology, and/or construction) in a potential full development effort. The principal objectives of this proof-of-concept project are: (1) To create a prototype web-based learning system to support students in learning how to apply GIS within the context of Civil Engineering (geotechnical emphasis) classes; (2) To carry out an initial series of evaluation studies with components and iterations of this system; and (3) To use the prototype system and evaluation data as the foundation for full scale, comprehensive project proposals. The GIS tool and the Civil Engineering (geotechnical prototype) content were selected because of the importance of these disciplines within the engineering profession and within the broad context of current U.S. infrastructure needs. As a viable learning technology is being developed, a detailed understanding of how students go about using interactive software as a vehicle for learning to solve complex problems is also being formulated. Moreover, the project has the potential to directly impact Civil Engineering programs across the country and indirectly impact GIS instructional technology across other disciplines.