TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparing strategies for presenting concepts in introductory undergraduate geography
T2 - Physical models vs. computer visualization
AU - Edsall, Robert
AU - Wentz, Elizabeth
PY - 2007/9
Y1 - 2007/9
N2 - Two experiments investigating the benefit of computer-based applications in geography education are presented. The computer-based methods employ concepts of visualization, including animation and interactivity, to facilitate active learning. These computer-based methods are compared with physical (i.e. tangible) models, which themselves can be considered active learning tools. Thus, this report compares a pair of learning strategies using interactive external cognitive tools (one computer-based and one physical), rather than more typical studies which compare an approach using such interactive tools with an approach using more traditional lecture-based presentations. Results confirm existing findings that computer-based approaches are appealing to students but are not, by themselves, significantly beneficial in enabling understanding of complex concepts.
AB - Two experiments investigating the benefit of computer-based applications in geography education are presented. The computer-based methods employ concepts of visualization, including animation and interactivity, to facilitate active learning. These computer-based methods are compared with physical (i.e. tangible) models, which themselves can be considered active learning tools. Thus, this report compares a pair of learning strategies using interactive external cognitive tools (one computer-based and one physical), rather than more typical studies which compare an approach using such interactive tools with an approach using more traditional lecture-based presentations. Results confirm existing findings that computer-based approaches are appealing to students but are not, by themselves, significantly beneficial in enabling understanding of complex concepts.
KW - Animation
KW - GIS
KW - Geomorphology
KW - Lectureware
KW - Map projections
KW - Visualization
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=35548988836&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=35548988836&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/03098260701513993
DO - 10.1080/03098260701513993
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:35548988836
SN - 0309-8265
VL - 31
SP - 427
EP - 444
JO - Journal of Geography in Higher Education
JF - Journal of Geography in Higher Education
IS - 3
ER -