COMPUTER NETWORK RESOURCES FOR PHYSICAL-GEOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION

Rapid changes in computer-related technologies are having a tremendous impact on geographic education. Educators are increasingly using new data products and integrating hardware and software into physical geog raphy courses, thereby improving teaching effectiveness and providing students with hands-on experience. This article introduces geographers to the Internet computer network and current network resources that a re available cost free. It also demonstrates how to access and use the se materials in a physical geography course. Given the current economi c conditions and university downsizing, educators at most institutions can introduce appropriate software and data into geography courses in a relatively short period of time.