9455331 Cromartie Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer programs are powerful tools for spatial data analysis and mapping, widely used by environmental professionals. Specific GIS curricula, however, are not available for undergraduate environmental studies. The goal of this project is to design, develop and test an integrated set of core environmental science modules, incorporating GIS and related technologies. All components, lecture, laboratory, and field, are linked through the GIS in a multi-media framework. An interdisciplinary setting is provided for modules for the core courses. Advanced students are involved in developing, testing, and implementing the new modules as teaching assistants in the core courses. Modules emphasize self-paced instruction, collaborative learning, group learning, and student-initiated projects. There are plans to assess the pedagogical effect of the integrated strategy. The revised curriculum represents a significantly improved education practice for undergraduate environmental studies students, other science majors and non-science majors. Study of fundamental scientific concepts are integrated with study of management, decision making, and ethics in a technically sophisticated framework. The project demonstrates how GIS can enhance problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills. Nationally, this project will serve as a model for environmental science. It will produce sets of interactive courseware and manuals that other programs can adapt to their own curricula. These will be disseminated electronically and through publications and workshops. Because the course materials will conform to a national consensus curriculum, other institutions should be able to incorporate them with minimal modifications.
