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Using Computers in Geology: Enhancing Problem Solving and Presentations

Explore various computer applications, enhance skills in geological problem-solving, report writing, and presentations using software tools.

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Using Computers in Geology: Enhancing Problem Solving and Presentations

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  1. Introduction Computers in Geology <begin>

  2. Goals of the Class • Use computers and software as tools to: • Enhance your skills in the areas of geological problem-solving, report-writing, and presentations.

  3. Goals of the Class • Use computers and software as tools to: • Explore a variety of Windows-based software applications • Word-processing • Html editors • Spreadsheets • Image manipulation • Drawing • Presentations • GIS

  4. What are Computers? • Originally, a “computer” was someone (or some thing) who performed numerical calculations. Abacus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computers

  5. Computer Families • Analog computers • Operates with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities (an analogy) • All operations are performed in parallel • Data are represented as voltages (prone to noise corruption) • One capacitor can represent one continuous variable Sources: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/ http://www.cds.caltech.edu/~hsauro/Analog.htm

  6. planimeter astrolabe Torpedo Data Computer slide rule Computer Families • Analog computers • Examples: Sources: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_computer

  7. Computer Families • Digital Computers • a computer that operates with numbers expressed directly as digits • Operates sequentially, operating on data one step at a time • Stores data in two states: on or off (binary) Sources: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/ http://www.cds.caltech.edu/~hsauro/Analog.htm

  8. Computers today • “A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions known as a program.”1 • Various types: • analog computer, hybrid computer, supercomputer/minisupercomputer, mainframe computer, workstation computers, laptop, roll-away computer, embedded computer, cart computer, tablet pc, handheld computer, subnotebook, thin client, minicomputer, microcomputer, computer terminal, and server 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computers

  9. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Personal_computer%2C_exploded_5.svg

  10. How Do We Use a Computer? • Give the computer instructions via programs • aka “software” • Various types of programs • O/S • Data manipulation • Drivers, etc.

  11. Software • Operating Systems (O/S) • Manages the hardware and software on the computer • Windows • Macintosh • Linux • Unix • Palm OS • For fun: What if Operating Systems Were Airlines? Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system

  12. Software • Programs • Wide variety • Function dependant • Common programs • Word Processing • Spreadsheets • Databases • Photo imaging • Browsers • Etc.

  13. Software • Drivers • A program which controls a device (such as a printer, scanner, etc.) • Updates can be downloaded from manufacturer’s website

  14. Hardware & software available on campus • Student Computing Resources(http://www.calstatela.edu/its/techsupport/start/) • Student Scholar’s Training Program (SSTP) (http://www.calstatela.edu/its/training/sstp/) • Open Access Labs (OALs) (http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/aa/ess/oal/)

  15. Open Access Labs (OALs)

  16. Student Accounts Network / E-mail Account GET: Golden Eagle Territory NIS: Network Information Svcs Passwords STAR Registration SA: Student Administration Student E-mail Web CT Network Accounts

  17. Programs We Will Be Using in Class • WS-ftp le • Internet Explorer • Word • Excel • PowerPoint • Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop • Arc-GIS • Earth Google

  18. Activities • Designed to familiarize you with the program and it’s uses • Individual projects • Write proposal in Word • Use the Internet & Library to gather data • Use spreadsheet program to analyze data • Use graphic programs to create & manipulate graphics • Use PowerPoint to create a presentation and a poster. • Use HTML editor to create a webpage

  19. Individual Projects • Each project must be unique • Each project MUST be approved by me – thus, write a PROPOSAL • Project requirements • Must teach visitor something (not just read, point, and click) • Must be geologically rigorous (written for peers) • Must progress according to plan outlined in proposal (no waiting to the last minute) • Projects are due the last week of the quarter

  20. Proposal guidelines • Format • 1–2 pages in length, 10 point font, 1 ½ line spacing • Proposal • Title & author • Body • Introduction • Reason for study • Goals and Objectives • Procedures and Methods • Anticipated Results • References

  21. Project Guidelines • Poster • Create in PowerPoint • Include: • Title • Abstract • Introduction • Presentation of Data • Discussion • Conclusion • References

  22. Project Guidelines • Presentation • Must: • teach viewer about your project • Have a logical flow of ideas • Credit / reference sources • Be 10 – 20 minutes in length

  23. Project Guidelines • Webpage • Must: • Teach the viewer about your project • Look somewhat professional (i.e., not “cutesy”) • Have a logical flow of ideas • Include a “webmaster” link • May be one page or several

  24. </end>

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