Dr. Clifford A. Shaffer
Dr. Edward A. Fox
Dept. of Computer Science
Dr. Laurence W. Carstensen, Jr.
Dr. Robert W. Morrill
Dept. of Geography
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061
shaffer@shaffer.cs.vt.edu
A GIS-Based Simulation Laboratory for Introductory Geography
Project GeoSim is a multidisciplinary effort by members
of Virginia Tech's Departments of Computer Science and Geography to
develop Computer Aided Education (CAE) software for introductory
geography and related disciplines at the college and high school
levels. Supported by NSF and FIPSE (US Dept. of Education), GeoSim's
goal is to produce major changes in undergraduate geography education
by applying the immense capabilities of Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and simulation. By adding significant geographic analysis to the
initial course in the major, one which enrolls over 425,000 students
annually nationwide, the effects of this project will be widespread.
We are providing a series of computerized laboratory modules applicable
to virtually all introductory geography courses. These modules are
highly interactive, are appropriate for computer novices, and
incorporate simulations and features of a GIS when appropriate. By
implementing our own user interface library, we are able to create
software that runs on a wide range of moderately priced equipment,
including machines running MSDOS, Macintosh and X Windows.
Last modified: 17 July, 1997
Thomas L. Marchioro
uces_info@krellinst.org