You are on page 1of 21

Evaluating a multi-media based

tool for self-learning geographical


information

Dr Francisco Escobar
RMIT University
Isaac Francs
University of Alcal , Spain
Assoc Professor Ian Bishop
Dr Andre Zerger
The University of Melbourne
Overview

Background
Whats GIS?
Multimedia and GIS learning
GISWEB implementation process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Background
1999 Priming grant,
$6,000 University of
Melbourne
2000 T&L(M&ET) project
grant - University of
Melbourne
Evaluation project
University of Alcala de
Henares, Spain. 2001-
2002
W hats GIS?
A computerised
system to
capture, store,
update,
manipulate,
analyse and
display
geographically
referenced
information (ESRI)
Multimedia and GIS learning

Suitability for multimedia:


New discipline
Spatially dynamic concepts
Algorithms shielded by GIS software
Multiple disciplines / backgrounds
Multimedia and GIS learning
Pioneers:
GISTutor: Birbeck College London
ESRI Virtual Campus
Our approach:
Latest technology and WWW
Full interactivity
Free access
Generic approach (not software based)
Multimedia and GIS learning

Our expectations:
In-lecture tool
Improved:
Access to learning
Productivity
Quality of student learning
Student attitudes to learning
GISWEB: implementation process
Involvement of all GIS lecturers in Geomatics,
The University of Melbourne
Studentscontribution
Web designer
Software development:
Macromedia director, Dreamweaver, Flash
Shockwave animations
HTMLand Java Scripts
An Internet browser is the interface
www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/gisweb
Content
Background on MM-University of Melbourne
Modules
Glossary
References
Feedback form
Site map
Contact details
People
Content: modules
Modules structure
Interactivity
Animations
Self assessment
Current use
The University of Melbourne
RMIT
University ofAlcal de Henares, Spain
University ofAuckland, New Zealand
University of Birmingham, UK
Aself-paced learning tool
Tightly integrated into existing learning
Lectures
Practical
Evaluation
Students feedback
Ease of navigation
Look and feel
Information and illustrations
echnical difficulties
T
Written comments
Usage statistics
Developers perception
Formal examination
Students feedback
University ofAlcal de Henares
55.88% consider that contact hours could
be reduced,
BUT
the majority also prefer the lecturer s
presence when learning GIS concepts
Usage statistics

www.sli.unimelb.edu.au./weblog/gisweb/log.html
Developers perception

Initial costs
In lecture tool
After lecture reference tool
Assignments and lecture notes usage
Formal examination

University ofAlcal de Henares:


MM functionality,animations and interactive tools in
particular, helped students to learn dynamic GIS
concepts,
The adoption of tools like GISWEB appeared to be
more advantageous in students with none or little
background in GIS,
Individualised teaching and learning can be assisted
by tools like GISWEB where students learn at their
own pace; and
Users of GISWEB learnt better and faster.
Issues

Cost: time and money


Difficulties to find skilled programmers
Obsolescence
Conclusions

Positive feedback
Relevance to learning has been
determined
Further evidence required
Further developments:
Problem based modules
Acknowledgments
The team:
Fiona, Gary, Joianna, Jessica, and Karen

You might also like