HR: 13:55h
AN: ED23C-02    [Abstracts]
TI: Utilizing Wireless PocketPC's in Earth System Science Lectures to Expand Discourse
AU: * Samson, P J
EM: samson@umich.edu
AF: Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic & Space Sciences, University of Michigan 1539 Space Research Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143 United States
AU: van der Pluijm, B
EM: vdpluijm@umich.edu
AF: Deptartment of Geological Sciences, University of Michigan 2534 C. C. Little Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1063 United States
AB: Introductory science teaching, including otherwise engaging topics such as climate change and natural hazards, traditionally relies on static textbooks and/or course packs, and presentation is often delivered as a monologue in front of a passive audience. Add to this the advent of extensive lecture notes on the Internet and the students are left with little incentive to attend class, much less participate. Clearly this model does not provide much opportunity for students to critically think through the arguments being developed. In order to address this issue, we are experimenting with the use of interactive spatial concept challenges utilizing wireless PocketPC computers in Earth Systems classes at the University of Michigan. The tools being developed have the goal of involving students in their own learning during lecture and focusing their attention on underlying concepts. Following Mazur (1997) students respond to spatial questions offered through the PocketPC and formulate their own answers; followed by an in-class discussion in small groups, attempting to reach consensus on the best answer. Successful implementation of this approach in climate change offers new opportunities to engage students in discourse and improved learning through peer and interactive instruction. Eric Mazur, 1997: Peer Instruction: A User's Manual, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
UR: http://www.pocketscientist.com/
DE: 6605 Education
DE: 3300 METEOROLOGY AND ATMOSPHERIC DYNAMICS
DE: 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE (New category)
SC: Education and Human Resourcese [ED]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting