Two on-line learning activities were introduced to students in general education undergraduate courses in Earth Science and Oceanography using course WebCT homepages. Both modules incorporate satellite images, illustrations, and animations assembled mainly from NASA and NOAA Internet websites and educational CD-ROM’s. These sources of information, mostly satellite imagery, are used to guide undergraduate students in learning important concepts of atmosphere-ocean interactions. The modules are titled: “Ocean Waves” and “El Niño-Southern Oscillation.” One activity examines the anatomy of waves, local and global wind-wave relationships, and tsunami occurrences. The second module focuses on explaining El Niño, La Niña and the Southern Oscillation, followed by the analysis of the recent 1997-1999 development of strong El Niño and La Niña events. Winds, ocean temperatures and weather pattern relationships show the global impacts of ENSO. In both modules, students learn interactively by answering questions related to the visual information presented and receiving feedback. Preliminary results suggest students increased their understanding of ocean waves and ENSO through these activities in comparison to traditional classroom methods. Highlights from both modules will be presented at the conference.

Contact: Steve LaDochy, CSULA, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA. 90032 Telephone: 323-343-2222; E-mail: sladoch@calstatela.edu