Integrating Geographic Information Systems Into Undergraduate Environmental Science Curriculum

9455331克罗马蒂地理信息系统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，特定的地理信息系统课程不适用于本科生的环境研究。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模块，包括地理信息系统和相关技术。所有的组成部分，包括授课、实验室和实地考察，都通过一个多媒体框架通过地理信息系统连接在一起。为核心课程的单元提供了跨学科设置。高级学生作为核心课程的助教参与新模块的开发、测试和实施。模块强调自定进度教学、协作学习、小组学习和学生发起的项目。有计划评估综合战略的教学效果。修订后的课程对环境专业本科生、其他理科专业和非理科专业学生的教育实践有了显著的改善。对基本科学概念的研究与对管理、决策和伦理学的研究在一个复杂的技术框架中结合在一起。该项目展示了地理信息系统如何提高解决问题、批判性思维和沟通能力。在全国范围内，该项目将成为环境科学的典范。它将制作一套互动的课件和手册，其他程序可以根据自己的课程进行调整。这些文件将以电子方式以及通过出版物和讲习班进行传播。由于课程材料将符合国家共识的课程，其他机构应该能够在最小程度上修改后将其纳入其中。

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.