What does EarthEd do?

				EarthEd was created to enable students to access earth data, create data representations (plots, graphs, etc), and write science arguments about their findings. In order to support these goals economically for a large class of students, a management system was developed that delivers content, auto-graded homework problems, on-demand grade calculation, writing and review, and resources that allow students to interact with each other. The management system is integrated with the data access modules. Specifics: Data access modules: currently, the "Our Dynamic Planet" CD modules, a global ocean data viewer that accesses and displays World Ocean Atlas 98 data, and East Pacific Rise exploration modules (MARVE). These data modules allow students to access and plot earth data, and seamlessly incorporate them into their personal EarthEd graphics library. Writing and Peer Review: Writing assignments are created and "handed in" online. Graphic images created in the data modules, or captured in other ways (e.g. web pages) are easily linked to student writing. This module supports both "Calibrated Peer Review" assignments and the conventional kind where a teacher or TA grades and returns it. Content delivery: Various kinds of content can be linked to assignments. Currently, web page addresses and pdf's are supported. Movies and other content formats will also be supported. Course management: Assignments, due dates, and assigned points are stored by EarthEd, and a student can compute her/his course grade at any time. This motivates students to do the assignments and improve their homework scores by trying to get the correct answer multiple times. Online posting and discussion: The previous version of EarthEd had a bulletin board style threaded discussion capability. This discussion board allows a teacher to quickly compile each student's postings and assign a grade. It is very useful for "Just In Time Teaching" methods (est completion: Fall 2005). Teacher resource library: The EarthEd philosophy is "open source, open course." All resources used by a teacher are stored in a searchable library. Any assignment can be copied to another teacher's library for modification and incorporation into a course. (est. completion date: Fall 2005).