Title: Integration of Problem-Based Learning Resources and Multimedia to Enhance Soil Science Education
Presenters: Rachel Strivelli, Graduate Student, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Maja Krzic, Associate Professor, Faculty of Land and Food Systems/Forestry
Chris Crowley, Instructional Designer/Project Manager, Office of Learning Technology
Description: Although there is considerable discussion about the impacts of human activities on soil quality, the effects are poorly communicated. While worldwide soil degradation continues at a steady pace, the number of soil science students and professionals have declined in the past 20 years. Innovative teaching approaches are needed to convey that soil is an essential natural resource and to raise the appeal of soil science as a discipline. University students are in a prime setting for this educational process.
The Land Use Impacts (LUI) teaching tool (http://soilweb.landfood.ubc.ca/luitool/) provides students with a multimedia web-based experience to assist in teaching about the impacts of land uses on soil formation and soil quality. The tool was designed by a team of soil scientists, graduate students, and multimedia specialists with the intention of appealing to multiple learning styles and providing greater access to information. The tool intends to enhance teaching by offering virtual, active student learning, integrating soil science research into undergraduate teaching, and increasing learner accessibility. The tool includes instructional technologies, soils data, archival photos, maps, and web-links.
The tool is currently used in the APBI 402 / SOIL 502 – Sustainable Soil Management course offered by the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and it is complimentary to several other courses offered by Faculties of Land and Food Systems, Forestry, and Science that address issues of land-use impacts on soils. The LUI tool was the winner of the Award of Merit presented by the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (May 2009). An interactive overview of the LUI tool will be given during the presentation.