Developing an Interactive Multimedia Computer Program for Learning Agronomic Principles

NACTA Journal, Dec 2004 by McAndrews, Gina M, Mullen, Russell E, Taylor, Kerry L, Dobill, Dan, Green, Detroy

Summary

An interactive multimedia computer program, CIMPLE, was developed to enhance student learning of the fundamental principles of agronomy. Students seemed to embrace the computer technology as an important tool for learning. The program allows students to combine a variety of learning tools and proceed through the material at a self-determined pace. Information presented should aid in students ability to apply learned material to real agronomie challenges. CIMPLE was successfully incorporated into the on-campus and distance Agron 114 course, thereby allowing the Agronomy Department to offer a technology enhanced learning environment for resident students in Agron 114 and a constructive and engaging agriculture course to distance students. We are currently investigating how students use the program, for example which components students use and in which sequence to learn chapter material, and if this may be related to the student's learning style using Kolb's Learning Style Inventory.

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Gina M. McAndrews, Russell E. Mullen, Kerry L. Taylor, Dan Dobill and Detroy Green

Dept. of Agronomy

Iowa State University

Ames, IA 50011-1010