Interactive Online Training in Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Parameters

A series of ten online learning modules on topics related to instrumentation and measurement of atmospheric parameters are now published through a collaborative effort between the National Center for Atmospheric Research Earth Observing Laboratory, The COMET Program, and Millersville University.

These open-source, interactive, multimedia educational modules are positioned to enhance traditional pedagogies and supplement blended instruction on topics such as instrument types, measurement techniques, site selection, and measurement uncertainty. The target audience includes early graduate students and upper-level undergraduates in atmospheric and related sciences fields, but the content is extensible to other disciplines where treatment of these topics is relevant.

1. Foundations of Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurements
2. Meteorological Instrument Performance Characteristics
3. Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Temperature
4. Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Pressure
5. Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Humidity
6. Instrumentation and Measurement of Surface Precipitation
7. Instrumentation and Measurement of Wind
8. Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Trace Gases
9. Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Radiation
10. Instrumentation and Measurement of Clouds and Airborne Particles

The content of these modules is of the highest caliber as it has been developed by subject matter experts who are scientists and engineers at the forefront of the field of observational science. It is expected that this effort will fulfill the expressed need for contemporary, interactive, multimedia guided education and training modules integrating the latest instructional design and assessment tools in observational science. Thousands of undergraduate and graduate students will benefit, while course instructors will value a set of high-quality lessons to use as supplements in their courses. For schools that may lack the resources to stage a field project or offer laboratory-based instrument/measurement experiences, the modules can fill the void and serve as an alternative to observational and laboratory research training.