HR: 1330h
AN: ED32C-1217    [PDF]
TI: The Challenges and Benefits of Using Computer Technology for Communication and Teaching in the Geosciences
AU: * Fairley, J P
EM: jfairley@uidaho.edu
AF: University of Idaho, Department of Geological Sciences, Moscow, ID 83844-3022 United States
AU: Hinds, J J
EM: jhinds@uidaho.edu
AF: University of Idaho, Department of Geological Sciences, Moscow, ID 83844-3022 United States
AB: The advent of the World Wide Web in the early 1990s not only revolutionized the exchange of ideas and information within the scientific community, but also provided educators with a new array of teaching, informational, and promotional tools. Use of computer graphics and animation to explain concepts and processes can stimulate classroom participation and student interest in the geosciences, which has historically attracted students with strong spatial and visualization skills. In today's job market, graduates are expected to have knowledge of computers and the ability to use them for acquiring, processing, and visually analyzing data. Furthermore, in addition to promoting visibility and communication within the scientific community, computer graphics and the Internet can be informative and educational for the general public. Although computer skills are crucial for earth science students and educators, many pitfalls exist in implementing computer technology and web-based resources into research and classroom activities. Learning to use these new tools effectively requires a significant time commitment and careful attention to the source and reliability of the data presented. Furthermore, educators have a responsibility to ensure that students and the public understand the assumptions and limitations of the materials presented, rather than allowing them to be overwhelmed by "gee-whiz" aspects of the technology. We present three examples of computer technology in the earth sciences classroom: 1) a computer animation of water table response to well pumping, 2) a 3-D fly-through animation of a fault controlled valley, and 3) a virtual field trip for an introductory geology class. These examples demonstrate some of the challenges and benefits of these new tools, and encourage educators to expand the responsible use of computer technology for teaching and communicating scientific results to the general public.
UR: http://www.uidaho.edu/~jhinds/Geovisualization.html
DE: 1824 Geomorphology (1625)
DE: 1829 Groundwater hydrology
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting