2002 Annual

Tuesday, 15 January 2002: 4:45 PM
Leveraging the internet to enhance the skills of entry-level Meteorology majors
Kevin A. Kloesel, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK; and M. J. Laufersweiler and B. Illston
Poster PDF (11.4 kB)
During the Spring Semester, 2001, the OU School of Meteorology’s Introduction to Synoptic Meteorology class was redesigned to integrate computer applications with traditional undergraduate synoptic topics. The authors focused on data archival and distribution, programming and scripting, and data analysis and display. The students were required to perform these tasks in both unix and pc workstation environments. The Unidata Gempak and N-AWIPS software packages were used, as well as numerous University-based web sites with on-line meteorological modules. Effective graphical presentation methods, including the use of web sites and MS PowerPoint™ were featured and assigned as term projects. The goal was to provide students with practice in applying technology and interactive processing systems to achieve a working knowledge of the tools used in both operations and research. This poster will provide examples of sample computer activities, include anonymous evaluations regarding the use of available on-line web modules, as well as evidence of how students perceive this course aids their overall meteorological education. The lessons learned from the course redesign will be presented, and future plans concerning the use of computer applications in introductory classes for Meteorology majors will be proposed.

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