MULTIMEDIA GUIDED WRITING MODULES FOR INTRODUCTORY HUMAN-GEOGRAPHY

This article describes a pilot project initiated in the fall term of 1 993 that implemented and tested an interactive system of multimedia co mputer learning modules for an introductory human geography course. Mo dules actively involved students in learning and collaborative writing about topics illustrative of the breadth of contemporary human geogra phy. Evaluation was achieved by means of analysis of student essays, e lectronic logs of student time spent in various portions of the system , and a comprehensive survey administered to students at the end of th e term. This information suggests that the use of interactive multimed ia lab modules can greatly enrich the learning environment for a wide range of students taking introductory human geography courses, though careful attention must be paid to ensure ease of use. The modules are now being refined based on these results; our hope is to make them ava ilable to other geography departments in the near future.