HR: 1330h
AN: ED32C-1224    [PDF]
TI: Enhancing Student Learning in and out of the Classroom with Electronic Teaching and Study Aids Built Around Interactive Groundwater Visualization Software
AU: Fish, W
EM: fishw@cecs.pdx.edu
AF: Portland State Univ., Dept. of Civ. and Env. Eng. PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207 United States
AU: * McKillip, M
EM: mckillim@cecs.pdx.edu
AF: Portland State Univ., Dept. of Civ. and Env. Eng. PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207 United States
AU: Li, S
EM: lishug@egr.msu.edu
AF: Michigan State Univ., Dept. of Civ. and Env. Eng. A133 Engineering Research Complex, East Lansing, 48824 United States
AB: Advances in electronic resources allow more realistic student problems, increased student engagement and self learning, and the use of interactive, exploratory learning. We are using a sophisticated yet easy-to-use groundwater modeling and visualization program (Interactive Groundwater, IGW, Li and Liu: www.egr.msu.edu/$\sim$lishug/research/igw) to build packages of innovative tools for instructors and students. Equipped with an advanced graphical interface, IGW allows interactive visualization and manipulation of complex, multidimensional subsurface systems including hydrology, contaminant transport and assessment of contaminated sites. Two principle product packages are the Graphical Teaching Aid (GTA) and the Student Learning Exercise (SLE), developed as part of the NSF-supported Virtual Interactive Remediation in the Groundwater Environment (VIRGE). A GTA is a classroom-presentation guide that includes text materials for the instructor as well as supporting electronic IGW files for interactive graphical demonstrations and discussions in the classroom. Text files include a conceptual outline and a list of principles to be examined in the lecture as well as a flexible script punctuated and illustrated throughout by use of IGW as a highly interactive "electronic chalkboard". The thorough text guides the instructor in the effective use of IGW, suggests ideas to engage student interaction, and provides ways to tailor the interactive presentation to student needs. An SLE complements the GTA as an interactive exercise to engage students in discovery learning. As with GTAs, SLEs are designed for specific levels of classes (undergraduate or graduate) and specific populations (non-technical, science, or engineering majors). Text files (background and instruction) and IGW files (for problem visualization, interactive manipulation and solution) are provided. The SLEs include interactive computer-based exercises ranging from introductory investigations to extensive, open-ended investigations comparable to geotechnical exploration projects or engineering design projects.
DE: 1829 Groundwater hydrology
DE: 1831 Groundwater quality
DE: 1832 Groundwater transport
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting