AFGE: Learning by Doing Physical Geology in a Virtual Laboratory/ Virtual Field Trip Computer Environment

对基于计算机的教育和远程学习系统的需求已经变得越来越明显，而“主动”与“被动”学习的价值也变得越来越清楚。 地质学探索者是一个基于计算机的教育环境，用于物理地质学的教学。 这是一个合成的虚拟空间，学生可以在这里获得进行地质勘探的手段和设备。 这种教学方法为学生提供了一个真实的体验，其中包括空间导向的虚拟世界，实用，现场导向，探险规划和决策，以及科学问题解决（即“动手”的方法，以科学方法）的探索元素。 地质探索者的教学目标是教学生一个基本原则和方法的框架，可用于解决基于科学的问题，同时向学生介绍其学科的内容。 地质学探索者实施教育工具和方法，提供原则，但也以有意义的方式教授重要的内容材料。 从本质上讲，地质学是一门高度可视化的科学。 需要的是实现一个图形化的环境，便于导航，空间的真实性，吸引学生，地质对象，上下文和过程的可视化。 为了实现这些目标，将安装一个高度图形化和交互式的地质探测器，在现有联网的多用户数据库和信息系统之上提供一个图形用户界面。 Geology Explorer的Java/MOO可视组件将使用Java编写的客户端软件来实现这一点，该客户端软件是服务器的视口。 在它中，对象由图形元素表示，这些图形元素可以以对域有意义的方式进行操作。 虚拟环境，如地质探险家，使学生能够经历否则是不可能或不切实际的经验：遥远的世界，亚原子空间，或危险的地方。 这种虚拟环境方法的潜在影响是，它将有助于解决现代大学面临的许多问题：远程学习将成为现实，学习者的多样性将被容纳（无论是在学习方式和生活方式方面），在许多情况下，课程将变得更加活跃，更加基于角色，更加自定进度，更多地“边做边学”而不是“边听边学”。"

9809761SlatorThe need for computer-based education and distance learning systems has become increasingly obvious, while the value of "active" versus "passive" learning has become increasingly clear. The Geology Explorer is a computer-based educational environment for teaching aspects of physical geology. This takes the form of a synthetic, virtual space where students are given the means and the equipment to undertake geologic exploration. This pedagogical approach gives students an authentic experience that includes elements of exploration of a spatially oriented virtual world, practical, field oriented, expedition planning and decision making, and scientific problem solving (i.e. a "hands on" approach to the scientific method). The pedagogical goal of the Geology Explorer is to teach students a framework of basic principles and approaches that can be used to solve science-based problems while at the same time introducing students to the content of their discipline. The Geology Explorer implements educational tools and methods that deliver the principles but also teaches important content material in a meaningful way. By its nature, geology is a highly visual science. The need is for implementation of a graphical environment for navigational ease, spatial authenticity, engaging students, and visualization of geologic objects, contexts, and processes. A highly graphical and interactive Geology Explorer will be implemented in order to meet these objectives by supplying a graphical user interface layered on top of the existing networked multi-user database and messaging system. The Java/MOO visual component of the Geology Explorer will accomplish this using client software written in Java that is a viewport into the server. In it, objects are represented by graphical elements that can be manipulated in a way that makes sense to the domain. Virtual environments, such as the Geology Explorer, enable students to undergo experiences that would otherwise be impossible or impractical: distant worlds, subatomic spaces, or dangerous places. The potential impact of this virtual environment approach is that it will help solve many of the problems facing the modern university: distance learning will become a reality, learner diversity will be accommodated (both in terms of learning styles and life styles), and in many cases the curriculum will become more active, more role-based, more self-paced, and more "learn by doing" than "learn by listening."