MODERN FIELD-ORIENTED EARTH SCIENCE INSTRUCTION: GEOPAD

During the past two summers, we have successfully integrated information technology into our senior-level, field geology course at the University of Michigan's Camp Davis Geology Field Station, near Jackson, WY. We incorporated GeoPads -- rugged TabletPCs equipped with GIS, GPS, and wireless networking -- into field mapping exercises and field trips. While fully retaining the traditional approaches and advantages of field instruction, GeoPad offers two important benefits: (1) enhances the development of students' spatial reasoning skills, and (2) augments the learning environment of field trips. For (1), GeoPads enable students to collect observations and directly create geologic maps in the field using pen-enabled GIS. This allows students to analyze and manipulate their data in multiple contexts and representations -- while still in the field -- using both traditional, 2D map views, as well as in 3D contexts. Such enhancements provide students with powerful exploratory tools that aid the development of spatial reasoning skills, permitting more intuitive interactions with 2D representations of our 3D world. Additionally, GIS-based mapping more readily catches data-recording errors, as well as provides experience with tools that are increasingly relevant to students' future academic or professional careers. For (2), field trip vehicles are equipped with GeoPads pre-loaded with maps, photos, papers, animations, etc. In addition to providing easy access to such reference materials, a key benefit is enhanced communication between students and instructional staff across vehicles. Using wireless networking and application-sharing, GeoPads are used to share images and maps between vans, and, most importantly, to provide a shared-pointer capability, augmenting discussion over the CB-radio; meaning, as one person talks about and points to an item on their screen, others see the pointer move, in real-time, on their screen as well. Such a capability is a recognized benefit of collaborative communication and discussion environments, as it aids students' focus on what is being discussed, and can optimize field experiences by reducing the otherwise instructional down time inherent in (long-distance) travel.

For more information: http://geopad.org.