TEACHING THE RELEVANCY OF GEOLOGY IN AN ONLINE SETTING: EXAMPLES FROM THOMAS NELSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HAMPTON, VA

Teaching physical geology online to a diverse demographic of community college students presents challenges, particularly when prior earth science exposure may have been years ago. In our experience, many students taking geology are largely unaware of the role geoscience plays in their daily lives. We find that students are more engaged in the material when they can understand the impact and utility of geology on a personal level. Students in our online physical geology classes complete several assignments that not only reinforce basic geologic concepts, but also engage students in exploring connections to geology and their daily lives.

Reinforcing relevancy begins during an introductory discussion board asking students to describe the most interesting things they have recently seen outdoors. Care is taken by instructors to develop course exercises that use local examples and highlight potential careers in geology. One assignment presented early in the semester requires students to research a mineral and report to the class its common uses, market value, where it is mined, and general properties. “Geology in the News” is a discussion board assignment that asks students to choose a news article relating to geology, then summarize and present it to other students. Labs on oil exploration, and earthquakes are supplemented with web-based simulations and the use of online data sets. For a course project, students select a location of interest to them, often a National Park, and research the geology and geologic history of that area using internet sources and scientific literature. This “Going Places” project is compiled as a slide show presentation via a discussion board forum so other students can view and ask questions. Students often comment these assignments give them a new perspective of their world, increasing awareness and appreciation of geology in their lives.

Geology becomes more tangible, relevant, and interesting to students when they see the impact of geology in a broader spectrum. These exercises, especially in the online setting, are apt to encourage discussion and further interaction among students, increasing student participation overall. Making earth science relevant to students has a lasting impact on all students, whether preparing future geology majors, or simply promoting earth science literacy.