http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Computer use in U.S. Geography Education
xiii, 288 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm.
Using a case study approach, this research surveyed the use of computer software in geography education. In study 1, approximately 500 community college geography students at North Harris College, Houston, Texas, were surveyed about their perceptions concerning how software can be used in geography education. Students in this group indicated word processing software, encyclopedia programs, and some games fit best in geography education. In study 2, a naturalistic inquiry was conducted with elementary-age students at Allen Academy, in Bryan, Texas. This study examined how students interacted with the popular, and well-advertised geography software game, Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego. This game is a well-known as a geography learning tool even among North Harris College students. The study showed that the students who played this game developed and used very few geography skills although the game was considered fun and did expose students to the names and locations of places. Study 3, surveys geography and social studies teachers from three schools in the Houston, Texas, area. These teachers indicated they were frequently disappointed with the quality of software programs. They had little by which to evaluate these programs except for advertising and word-of-mouth. They suggested that a geography-specific software evaluation instrument would be beneficial in choosing software. The outcome of this study led to the development of a geography-software-evaluation instrument ' based on the National Geography Standards.
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-175).