Describes the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) as the foundation for a college-level geography course. Asserts that students develop creative and problem-solving skills as they develop databases of information. Concludes that the activity produced practical products that were used subsequently by local officials and citizens. (CFR)

This paper illustrates a method by which geography students can experience a process of inquiry and problem-solving by using data banks as a resource. Examples are given of open-ended and structured classroom utilization of a data bank for students to study the socioeconomic structure of Wichita, Kansas. (Author/AV)

Contends that the computer software program, "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego," can be used to teach about social studies and a wide range of other courses. Recommends instructional techniques and interdisciplinary approaches to be used with the program and includes a curriculum correlation chart. (CFR)

Discusses the geographic information system (GIS), a database that permits the integration, management, and analysis of diverse geographical information. Reports that the GIS has brought gains in cartography and remote sensing but also has brought problems. Identifies the need to balance instruction in technical developments and mainstream…

Presents a geography program to show students why the European Community was formed. Involves student research of economic data, creation of a computer database on the European Community, and simulation of trading. Emphasizes geographic themes of movement, region formation, and change in response to economic forces. Includes game rules, sample…

Presents an instructional unit in which grade 6 students used PFS:File to create a computerized database containing information about many countries. Six lessons are described: (1) introduction to a database; (2) selecting topics for the database form; (3) designing forms; (4) beginning research; (5) adding files; and (6) retrieving information.…

Facilities that teachers and students can use to store and access bibliographic materials on a computer, referred to as a bibliographic information system (BIS), are described. Advantages and disadvantages of the BIS in teaching are examined, and questions to consider before acquiring a BIS and how to acquire a BIS are discussed. (RM)

Describes a geography lesson that computer and social studies teachers present together to teach elementary and secondary school students about computers and help them place the technology in a social context. (MBR)

Elementary students can investigate U.S. geography and exercise critical thinking and research skills by compiling a computer database on state facts and figures. As they research and work, they develop their own questions to ask and answer and make thoughtful hypotheses about how and why facts may be related. (SM)

Discusses the Computers in Teaching Initiative Centre for Geography (CTICG), part of a network of 21 subject-based centers in the United Kingdom, intended to promote computer-assisted learning in higher education. Examines courseware sources and suggests developing a database of available software or a distribution service. Lists CTICG's aims in…

Reviews a HyperCard stack designed for use in schools and at home. Describes the program as primarily a database of information on Iraq, Kuwait, and the Gulf War. Contends that the program is pedagogically weak and of marginal use in the classroom. (CFR)

Provides information and reviews of geography computer software classified as drill-and-practice, simulations, and databases. Includes title, publisher, hardware needed, suggested grade level, geographic area covered, content emphasized, and the strengths and weaknesses of each program. (TW)

Describes the National Aerial Photography Program database that includes photographs of the 48 conterminous states. Gives characteristics of two different photography programs, one completed and one still in progress. Provides addresses for obtaining the photographs. Suggests uses of the photographs in education as visual aids and in research as a…

Contends that the rapid proliferation of computer technology is dramatically improving geographic instruction. Describes how instructors can identify and access easily Internet resources using Mosaic software. Concludes that these diverse and informative materials can be used in a wide variety of pedagogical tasks. (CFR)

Asserts that geography teachers should consider using HyperCard because of its ease of use and capabilities. Maintains that HyperCard can be used by teachers to develop nonlinear instructional materials and by students to present research projects. Concludes that the process of creating HyperCard stacks promotes student investigation and…