Integrating GIS Technology into the Undergraduate Learning Environment

本计画的目标是将地理资讯系统（GIS）整合到本科课程中。目前，只有高级本科生和研究生才能使用GIS。该项目将通过三项举措扩大获取途径：让世界区域地理的普通教育学生接触计算机地理信息技术的力量；将高级城市地理课程从基于讲座的学习转变为基于GIS技术的学习；扩大高级地理专业在制图、GIS和土地利用分析课程中使用计算资源的机会。本提案的目标将通过将现有的GIS/制图实验室转换为现代化的网络化学习环境来实现，其中有25个学生工作站连接到专用的Windows NT服务器。已经利用现有设施在有限的基础上开始了三项课程改革，一旦扩大利用地理信息系统，将全面实施。地理信息系统正在对现代地理学的性质和地理教育产生革命性的影响。对于非专业的学生来说，GIS提供了一个图形丰富的、可编程的学习环境，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，可以促进重要地理概念的学习。对于高级本科生来说，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，本实验将利用网络管理软件来提供教学支持。如果这种方法在监测和响应学生的需求方面被证明是有用的，那么这将是本项目开发的额外有价值的信息。＊

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. *