In this study, a spreadsheet-based visualized Mindtool was developed for improving students' learning performance when finding relationships between numerical variables by engaging them in reasoning and decision-making activities. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an experiment was conducted on the "phenomena of climate…

Technology that helps students view images in three dimensions (3-D) can support a broad range of learning styles. "Geo-Wall systems" are visualization tools that allow scientists, teachers, and students to project stereographic images and view them in 3-D. We developed and presented 3-D visualization exercises in several undergraduate courses.…

This paper describes the development of the hardware-software configuration required for a computerized digitizer-graphics system for encoding locational information at the University of Iowa's Department of Geography and Institute of Urban and Regional Research. Topics covered include system requirements, data structure, hardware configurations,…

Statistical and geographical literacy is essential for our daily lives. A new web portal for middle school students, published on the federal government statistics website, supports geographic and statistical education by providing age-appropriate online learning activities that teach how to use statistical summaries and their graphic…

The effectiveness of the SCHOLAR computer-assisted instruction system was compared with: (1) the interactive map display of Map-SCHOLAR; (2) a static labeled map; and (3) an unlabeled map. Students learned significantly more with the interactive map display than with either of the other maps. A new method, backtrace analysis, was used to assess…

In response to interest from geography teachers in the United Kingdom, isoline drawing and surface drawing programs have been made available to them through an interface program in BASIC. The software has proved to be a successful aid in the teaching of geography. (Author/CMV)

Described is a project that involved undergraduate geography students in developing a model of the accessibility of the pre-school population in Cardiff (England) to child care clinics. Programing skills were acquired through spatial modelling. Networks of mini- and micro-computers were used. (Author/RM)

Outlines the implementation, production, and assessment of electronic posters in two undergraduate classes, one prepared with Microsoft PowerPoint and the other using hypertext mark-up language (HTML). Describes the advantages of each, along with the grading schemes and comments about implementation. Concludes that the exercises are useful for…

Describes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in elementary and secondary school classrooms to analyze neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Discusses GIS software, databases, graphing data, and spatial analysis, and includes an example of a project for secondary school students investigating the local economy for summer jobs. (LRW)

Defines basic typographic terminology and offers two classroom projects using microcomputers to create and use type. Discusses typeface, type families, type style, type size, and type font. Examples of student projects that include the creation of bulletin board displays and page-size maps. (KO)

Virtual reality (VR) is a new computational paradigm that redefines the interface between human and computer. VR may result in a significant improvement over traditional instruction because it is not only a multimedia interactive tool but also a learning environment extremely close to reality. Few empirical studies have been done on the use of VR…

Outlines reasons why computer programming should be taught to geographers. These include experience using macro (scripting) languages and sophisticated visualization software, and developing a deeper understanding of general hardware and software capabilities. Discusses the distinct advantages and few disadvantages of the programming language…

Describes a college level course in which computer mapping is incorporated into the geography curriculum. Discusses problems associated with using commercial mapping software in the general geography classroom. Concludes that students have reduced computer anxiety and a better understanding of geographic concepts as a result of the computer…