Concentrated Blended Learning: the redesign of traditional weekly lectures and labs into blended on-line learning modules for GEOB270 Geographic Information Science (GIScience)

Geographic Information Science (GIScience) supports geographic analysis through theory and computer software applications; for example determining the social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and flooding on Vancouver’s False Creek Tidal flats. GIScience, a required course for all geography students, is currently taught in weekly one- hour lecture slots, with one two-hour lab. Course evaluations and focus groups with students indicate pedagogical changes are required to better bridge theory (classroom lectures) to practice (computer software lab assignments conducted in computer labs). A blended learning environment, where lectures and software labs are organized in modules instead of time slots, and where students work on laptops in class, would greatly enhance student learning by integrating theory and practice. In addition, as demand for this course greatly exceeds supply, the longer term goal for Geography is to meet that demand via an on-line version of the course based on the modules and pedagogical approach developed and piloted through this project.