UniServe Science - CAUT NTDG

UniServe Science, The University of Sydney
Enhancing Australian Science and Mathematics education

CAUT Grants in Geology 1995

Computer aided visualisation and interactive interpretation of geological history

The project will develop an interactive geological computer program (GEOSECT) for use on Macintosh computers. With conventional static teaching methods, it is difficult for students to visualise gradual processes on a large scale. GEOSECT will lead students through the sequence of geological processes responsible for the configuration of rocks on geological maps and cross-sections, and provide for testing and reinforcing of concepts built into the program. This approach will help students acquire an essential geological skill, develop reasoning power and conceptual ability, and generate greater interest in the subject matter.

Host institution: University of Wollongong

Leader: Dr L E A Jones

Contact address: Department of Geology

WOLLONGONG NSW 2522

Tel: (042) 213 103

Fax: (042) 214 250

Computer aided learning in earth sciences: one path in a quality teaching environment

At the heart of a geologist's view of education is the conviction that the excitement flowing from concepts of global proportions should be inextricably linked with a sound grasp of fundamental knowledge. This project aims to develop new CAL projects in field geology, palaeontology, optical mineralogy and petroleum geology, which will be fully integrated into the tutorial and practical programs in LaTrobe University's Earth Sciences. These have different specific educational objectives, but all address the issue on integrating the teaching of basic principles and skills with the global perspective of earth and planetary dynamics.

Host institution: La Trobe University

Leader: Prof A J W Gleadow, Dr M T Warne

Partners: P Jackson, K Hill

Contact address: School of Earth Sciences

BUNDOORA VIC 3083

Tel: (03) 479 2649

Fax: (03) 479 1272

email: agleadow@mojave.latrob.edu.au

ICLASM: interactive computer learning and soil management

Currently the introductory soil science course for agriculture and science students is heavily based on imparting information and the learning of facts in a surface manner. The course needs development to encourage deeper student thinking and application to problem situations. Expansion of the course from 6 to 8 units in 1995 gives the opportunity to design and employ computer-interactive tutorial sessions to improve understanding, depth of learning, and application, in several ways.

i. Information from lectures and practicals will be presented in a new relational graphic/text format to aid deeper appreciation, revision and learning.

ii. The inter-relationship of information will be emphasised by the use of dynamic interactive models where students can change the parameters and observe the consequences.

iii. Information will be used in problem solving situations to encourage relational thinking. Here, the dynamic models will serve a double role in immediately demonstrating the effects of wrong management decisions on the soil.

Host institution: University of Sydney

Leader: A/Prof A J Koppi

Partner: A McBratney

Contact address: Department of Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science

SYDNEY NSW 2006

Tel: (02) 692 3578

Fax: (02) 692 3706

email: tony.koppi@cropsci.su.edu.au

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Last Update: Thursday, 07-Feb-2002 15:59:01 EST
URL: http://science.uniserve.edu.au/caut/geol/1995.html