A scheduling bottle-neck currently exists within the Department of Geosciences every semester pertaining to the use of the computer lab. For example, during the Spring 2024 semester the computer lab is utilized every weekday, in both the morning and afternoon, for courses that require computer access for every class meeting such as Remote Sensing, GIS, and Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems. Many courses with laboratory sections utilize computer-based learning experiences, but do not require the use of the computer lab on a weekly basis.
While many students own a laptop that can be used in these laboratory sections, experience has shown that not all students can afford their own computer. Additionally, students’ personal computers may not have the proprietary software installed or may not have the necessary configuration needed to install class-related software. Therefore, we are seeking funds to secure (20) Dell laptops and a (1) moveable laptop charging and storage cart. These laptops will be used to equip students with the skills and knowledge to operate various programs and software (e.g., Calib, GapMinder Foundation, Google Earth, iDigBio, National Stormwater Calculator, Paleobiological Database, Paleontological Statistics, SedCT, Stratlogger, R, etc.) as they enter the workforce.
These laptops will provide enhancement to computer-based learning activities in the following classes with laboratory sections: GEOL4020, GEOL4030, GEOL4070, GEOL4130, PGEO4010, and PGEO4020. These laptops would also provide the opportunity for active learning experiences in departmental introductory courses (i.e., GEOL1030, GEOL1040, PGEO1030), such as research-based interactive simulations of physical phenomena, virtual fieldtrips, and dynamic earth models.
