1. Evaluating a multi-media based tool for self-learning geographical information Dr Francisco Escobar RMIT University Isaac Francés University of Alcalá, Spain Assoc Professor Ian Bishop Dr Andre Zerger The University of Melbourne

2. Overview Background What’s GIS? Multimedia and GIS learning GISWEB implementation process Evaluation Conclusion

3. 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

4. What’s GIS? A computerised system to capture, store, update, manipulate, analyse and display geographically referenced information (ESRI)

5. Multimedia and GIS learning Suitability for multimedia: –New discipline –Spatially dynamic concepts –Algorithms shielded by GIS software –Multiple disciplines / backgrounds

6. 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

7. Our expectations: –In-lecture tool –Improved: Access to learning Productivity Quality of student learning Student attitudes to learning Multimedia and GIS learning

8. GISWEB: implementation process Involvement of all GIS lecturers in Geomatics, The University of Melbourne Students’ contribution Web designer Software development: –Macromedia director, Dreamweaver, Flash –Shockwave animations –HTML and Java Scripts –An Internet browser is the interface

9. www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/gisweb www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/gisweb Content Background on MM-University of Melbourne Modules Glossary References Feedback form Site map Contact details People

10. Content: modules

11. Modules structure

12. Interactivity Animations Self assessment

13. Current use The University of Melbourne RMIT University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain University of Auckland, New Zealand University of Birmingham, UK A self-paced learning tool Tightly integrated into existing learning Lectures Practical

14. Evaluation Students feedback –Ease of navigation –Look and feel –Information and illustrations –Technical difficulties –Written comments Usage statistics Developers perception Formal examination

15. Students feedback University of Alcalá de Henares 55.88% consider that contact hours could be reduced, BUT the majority also prefer the lecturer’s presence when learning GIS concepts

16. Usage statistics www.sli.unimelb.edu.au./weblog/gisweb/log.html

17. Developers perception Initial costs In lecture tool After lecture reference tool Assignments and lecture notes usage

18. Formal examination University of Alcalá 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.

19. Issues Cost: time and money Difficulties to find skilled programmers Obsolescence

20. Conclusions Positive feedback Relevance to learning has been determined Further evidence required Further developments: –Problem based modules

21. Acknowledgments The team: Fiona, Gary, Joianna, Jessica, and Karen