Forestry 202 – Forest Ecology Learning Enhancement Tool

TitleForestry 202 - Forest Ecology Learning Enhancement Tool
Faculty/College/UnitForestry
StatusCompleted
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/1997
Completion03/31/2001
Funding Details
Year 1: Project TitleDevelopment of computer-assisted learning tools in forest eccology and sustainable forestry
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year1997/1998
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorJ. P. Kimmins
Year 1: Team Members

J.P. Kimmins, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry

Year 1: Summary
  1. To develop a computer-based learning assistance tool for FRST 202 Forest Ecology for use in on campus and Guided Independent Study courses and advanced silviculture training schools.
  2. To develop user-friendly tools for analysis of the relative sustainability of different forest values under alternative management strategies.
Year 2: Project YearYear 2
Year 2: Funding Year2000/2001
Year 2: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 2: Principal InvestigatorJ. P. Kimmins
Year 2: Funded Amount11,125
Year 2: Team Members

J.P. Kimmins, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry

Year 2: Summary

Objective:

To finish developing the computer based, self-guided learning enhancement tool for Forestry 202-Forest Ecology that was developed on the first partial grant. This product would be available to students on CD-ROM. The product would provide a study guide that helps the students navigate through the complex material of the course, and gives students a means of monitoring their progress. The CD-ROM will be complimentary to the course textbook, and to the Distance Education version of Forestry 202.

Rationale:

Many students have found difficulty with Forestry 202 because of inadequate preparation (lack of prerequisites), inadequate time in which to cover the material at a pace they can handle, and the lack of tutorials and other learning assistance mechanisms. The learning enhancement tool will facilitate learning at a student’s own pace, and will provide a valuable guide to help them navigate through the course material.

Methods:

The learning enhancement tool has been designed in conjunction with two graduate students who did well in the course. They have interviewed many other students – those who did well and those who had difficulty with the material. Details of the design follow in the application.