UPDATING GEOLOGY COURSES: USE OF DIGITAL VIDEO IN- AND OUTSIDE OF SMART CLASSROOMS

Within the safe environment of the classroom, digital video can be used by instructors to illustrate a wide range of geologic concepts, principles, and systems. It can be used to supplement course content and may help to bring geology to students unable to easily experience field settings. Digital video can replace slides and overhead transparencies, and it can complement or place into context a collection of hand samples. Some laboratory field trips may be taped and presented to students in times of inclement weather.

Outside of the classroom, students may view digital video at their own pace, allowing them to experience a greater amount of course content and/or virtual field trips. Combined with handouts and quizzes, digital video can aid visually-stimulated learners.

Video produced for sedimentology courses include: A day at the Bay of Fundy, The Susquehanna River Environment, Sedimentary Structures, The Geology of Pennsylvania, and The Selinsgrove Anticlinorium. Video produced for a natural hazards course includes: The Geology of Bear Valley, The Centralia Mine Fire, Rock Slide!, and Hazards of Trinidad.