Design and Use of a Hybrid Multimedia Facility for Multidisciplinary GIS Education at the Upper-Division Level

Jack F. Paris
California State University, Fresno

The paper describes the design of a hybrid multimedia facility for multidisciplinary GIS education at the upper division level at California State University, Fresno. Hybrid refers to the use of computer-based multimedia coordinated with traditional multimedia.

The computer component of the system consists of 12 networked Pentium computers with 17" color monitors and adequate local resouces to support the use of professional GIS software. One unique aspect is the use of a series of analog super VGA splitters stemming from the instructor's CPU to all 12 student monitors. This allows each pair of students (24 student lab) to view up close any action on the instructor's computer. Coupled with dynamic PowerPoint presentations and live GIS software demonstration, this tool overcomes the problem of students not being able to see what the instructor is doing as is the problem with more common projection systems. Students can switch betweend the instructor's computer and the local computer with a simple A/B switch. Via the CSU Campus Data Network, each student can browse the Internet in search of GIS resources.

The traditional component is unique also. Twelve 13" color television monitors are distributed about the room (one for each pair of students again). The instructor controls audio and video feeds from VCRs, Kodak Photo CD, laser disk, campus broadband broadcasts (including distance learning), and a live local TV camera for showing opaque materials.

The furniture layout is by pair of desks. This allow easy access with a minimum of interruption. Hands-on laboratory exercises are scheduled throughout the week in the same room. Each computer has its own schedule (by the half hour). Students are required to work at their own pace seeking help first from another student, then from a teaching assistant, then from the instructor (if present), and lastly from a member of the research staff who is probably working side by side with the students. With the availability of low-cost student editions (TNTlite) of the professional software package for image processing, vector, CAD, and database processing, many students opt to do lab exerciese at home or at the office.

AV/Computer Equipment Needed: Pentium-based computer able to run MS PowerPoint for Windows 95 and TNTlite (110 MB on hard disk, 2 MB graphic card) with projected monitor output to large screen.

Jack F. Paris, Ph.D.
Director, GeoInformation Technology Facility
California State University Fresno
5005 North Maple Avenue, M/S 1
Fresno, CA 93740-8025
Telephone: (209) 278-0394
FAX: (209) 278-0404
E-Mail: Jack_Paris@CSUFresno.edu