William J. Cromartie
Richard Stockton College, Pomona
In the three core courses (Physical Geography, Ecological Principles and Environmental Issues) students will utilize GIS and GPS to ask and answer increasingly complex questions as they progress. Physical Geography labs will begin with exercises on map scale and projection and progress through basic data collection, analysis and interpretation, using a variety of settings on Stockton's campus. Students in Ecological Principles lab will carry out parts of ongoing studies of vegetation development, nutrient cycling, population dynamics and energy flow in the same study areas.
In the Issues lab, groups of students will design and conduct their own study, utilizing the techniques previously learned. In this project, study of fundamental scientific concepts will be integrated with study of management, decision making, and ethics in a technically sophisticated framework. The project will demonstrate how GIS can enhance problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills.
Advanced Environmental Studies students are involved in developing the new modules and as mentors in the core courses, teaching students how to use the field equipment and software.
Course modules will be disseminated via world wide web as they are developed. There are plans to produce sets of interactive courseware and manuals that other programs can use.