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October 19, 2007

Feig to present research at the Geological Society of America’s 119th annual meeting Oct. 27 – 31

ULM’s Anthony Feig, assistant professor of geosciences, will present his research at the Geological Society of America’s 119th annual meeting Oct. 27 – 31 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo. Approximately 6,300 geoscientists are expected to attend.

Feig will lead a session entitled “Statistical Analysis of Student Performance in Online and Face-to-Face Physical Geology Laboratory Sessions.”

His abstract states: ”Electronic learning in the physical geology laboratory presents particular creative and technical challenges to instruction, particularly so for working with hand specimens. However, significant opportunities become available to expand the content of the traditional geology lab, particularly with the inclusion of remote sensing data.

ULM’s Geosciences Department has addressed these challenges and opportunities through the creation of a unique, 100 percent online physical geology laboratory. We offer students electronic instruction in mineral and rock identification, topographic and geologic map analysis and an introduction to remote sensing. This is accomplished through a combination of web-based course management software, instructional video, a specimen collection, and maps mailed to the students.”

At the annual meeting, Feig will relay the results of a statistical comparison concerning student performance in two different sections—those who took the electronic course during the second ULM summer session in July and August, and those taking a face-to-face course this fall with instruction compressed to more resemble the summer course. Both sections complete the same lab activities and assessments.

Feig expects results showing no significant differences between the face-to-face control group and the electronic experimental group.

The online course was also modified as a 100 percent electronic workshop for in-service professional teachers;it is the first in Louisiana for geosciences.

Funding for the development of both the course and the teacher workshop was provided by a Supporting Electronic Learning and Essential Campus Transitions grant, awarded by the State of Louisiana Board of Regents.

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