Incorporating IT and Multi-Media Activity Into Field-Based Undergraduate Research: Geography at Staffordshire University

Rob Boast and Tim Harris

Abstract

The use of both specialist and generic computing software is well embedded into teaching curricula. Over the last decade geographers have started to use mobile digital media devices (MDMD) to deliver teaching, especially field work, in new and innovative ways. Delivering teaching materials through MDM has created a number of problems. Geography lecturers at Staffordshire University have used MDMD not as tools to deliver learning and teaching materials, but as tools for the students to use in data gathering. This approach has been embedded throughout the curriculum and a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of this project has been undertaken. Initial findings are that students are generally receptive to using MDMD, but surprisingly the more subject specific tools are less favoured. The paper concluded that more research needs to be done, but that in a rapidly changing world of MDMD it is very difficult to keep up with the pace of change.

Boast, R. and Harris, T. (2011) Incorporating IT and Multi-Media Activity Into Field-Based Undergraduate Research: Geography at Staffordshire University. Educationalfutures, [online] Vol. 3(2). Available at: https://educationstudies.org.uk/?p=541 [Accessed 20 Apr, 2024].

Volume

Volume 3(2) 2011

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