Geographers are fully engaged in the debate surrounding the impact of new information and communication technologies (ICT) and there has been a proliferation of research on the impact of ICT on geographical education. This includes analyses of how ICT may affect geographical learning paradigms (Hill & Solem, 1999; Rich et al., 2000; Solem, 2000)…

This Symposium integrates quantitative and qualitative information to assess the representation of women in academic geography in The Netherlands, Catalonia, Hungary and Singapore. It offers comparative commentary on the situation in the United States and additionally a focus on the experiences of a group of women geographers of colour in Canada,…

This paper explores the results of an 18-month study at Brunel University that aimed to explain the significant gendered differences in academic performance amongst geography students. Male students are doing considerably less well than their female peers, being awarded far fewer first class and upper second class degrees, a phenomenon that cannot…

Provides a concise overview of the potential role of the Internet for helping geography students in their studies. Briefly describes and discusses e-mail communication with groups and individuals, downloading databases, researching information for assignments, publishing on the World Wide Web, and virtual fieldwork. Lists a number of useful Web…

Details how to begin designing, implementing, and evaluating educational media in the geography classroom. Describes an approach to educational multimedia design focused on a coherent set of multimedia design standards informed by an understanding of evaluation functions. Includes illustrations from multimedia instructional screens. (MJP)

Reports on an experiment designed to document the benefits of introducing computer exercises into an introductory human geography course. Suggests that the disappointing results reflect the fact that quantitative evaluation of multimedia effectiveness is ineffective due to the inherent complexity of learning. Recommends combining quantitative and…

Introduces a simple student-centered activity that can effectively complement a traditional lecture by encouraging group discussion and reflection. Students orally review the lecture in groups and submit summaries to the lecturer that are ultimately compiled into a course review. Discusses the benefits of this practice and students' responses.…

Reports on a small-scale study that examined deficiencies in pre-service geography teachers' subject knowledge. The British pre-service teachers were all studying for Post Graduate Certificates in Education and answered questions regarding their subject knowledge and educational background. Documents definite weaknesses and identifies areas for…

Describes a project whereby geography students were charged with designing an urban trail (city walk with informational markers) that would accommodate specific groups. Chosen groups included people with physical disabilities, 10-year olds, and those interested in local street art. Discusses the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective objectives of…

Attempts to differentiate the characteristics of courses that involve token empowerment from those that involve deeper empowerment. Describes a course where students role-played the part of consultants involved in group work involving global issues. Includes a chart that outlines the components of token and deep empowerment. (MJP)

Discusses the reactions to two empowering styles of teaching introduced into a newly developed interdisciplinary unit in geography and environmental sciences. Peer assessment was embraced more thoroughly than group work which was eventually accepted with some reservations. Includes charts illustrating student reactions to both innovations. (MJP)

Outlines the benefits and limitations of automated assessment and offers practical advice for individuals and departments considering a move in that direction. Maintains that using optical mark readers (OMRs) in conjunction with objective tests can result in significant time savings. Briefly discusses using OMRs for student evaluations. (MJP)

Examines the increase in popularity of objective testing in the United Kingdom and addresses some of the accompanying academic issues. Reports on a case study of test production and implementation to illustrate issues of time costs and benefits. Discusses question styles, marking schemes, and the problem of guesswork. (MJP)

Describes the process by which objective tests utilizing an optical mark reader (OMR) were introduced into a number of first-year geography courses at the University of Plymouth (England). Presents the results of various statistical tests including a comparison of student performance in the objective and the traditional essay examinations. (MJP)

Reports on a pilot study designed to assess the potential of computer-marked tests for allowing students to monitor their learning. Students' answers to multiple choice tests were fed into a computer that provided a full analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. Students responded favorably to the feedback. (MJP)