Experiences on teaching of environmental modeling

Teaching via the Internet in universities has improved learning efficiency by the students and help educate the general public of environmental quality issues. The developed Web interfaces for natural resource models such as GRAzing Simulation Model (GRASIM) and Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA), along with the supporting educational materials, have facilitated these models’ application in undergraduate curriculum. The proposed outcome-based procedure for evaluating the effectiveness of these novice teaching concepts and tools help quantify the improvement in students’ performance using these tools. It was shown that using the Web-based computer modeling tools has significantly improved students’s understanding of complex concept in natural resources engineering.