Created by Nathan Hartwig and CBEL--Teaching and Learning Technologies Group
Copyright 1996 The Pennsylvania State University
Category: Discipline support for students. CBEL-developed software. ACM/SIGUCCS Education and Training Materials Competition, 1st Place--Electronic Information Resources, 1993.
Target Audience: Students in Agronomy 438, Principles of Weed Control and Herbicide Properties. This course teaches the principles of cultural and herbicidal weed control.
Abstract: The Weed Key Identification System was created as an expert system to aid students in the identification of weeds and as a database of 180 weed species common to the northeastern United States. The criteria-based search system enables the user to identify plant species based on characteristics selected by the user. The accompanying database displays textual and graphic information and provides access to color images on the Weed Key Identification Videodisc or CD-ROM.
The traditional dichotomous key method used by professional taxonomists requires significant knowledge of plant science. One goal of the software project was to develop an expert system that would work effectively with as little or as much information as the user could provide. This HyperCard software enables the user to benefit from the power of still photographs and full-motion video, and also promotes the integration of textual and graphic information. The Weed database provides access to all weed species through an alphabetical listing.
Features: The software includes the following features:
Instructional Use: Students from several majors in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State are required to take a course in weed identification and control. Learning to identify the weed species requires training in recognizing the specific characteristics that distinguish one species from another. For example the key characteristics used to identify each weed species vary from stem shape to type of flowerhead or inflorescence, flower color, or amount of hairiness of the leaf. Students find it difficult and tedious to learn the required amount of detailed information in a traditional lecture format. This software makes it possible for the student to access text and graphics describing 180 weeds found in the northeastern United States.
The design of The Weed Key and Identification System was a response to the observed needs of the students struggling to learn and apply the information necessary for weed identification. Dr. Hartwig's vision was to create a learning resource that would enhance the students' ability to interact with and manipulate the information in the weed-identification component of the course. Through the active selection of key characteristics in the criteria-based search, the system provides a powerful organizational tool for learning the key characteristics of each species. This learning resource was designed to augment in-class lecture material and lab experiences. The Weed Key and Identification System was developed to enable students to experience the actual process of weed identification while actively exploring data on each of the weed species.
System Requirements for CD-ROM version (Weeds 2.0): Minimum requirements:
System Requirements for Videodisc version (Weeds 1.0):Minimum requirements:
Nathan Hartwig PhD
Department of Agronomy
The Pennsylvania State University
116 ASI Building
University Park PA 16802-3505
E-mail: nlh@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-1906
Fax: (814) 863-7043
Denise Wagner
Education Technology Services
The Pennsylvania State University
225 Computer Building
University Park PA 16802-2101
E-mail: dcw1@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-7766
Fax: (814) 863-7049
Lawrence C Ragan PhD
(formerly of Education Technology Services)
Director of Distance Education Design and Development
Continuing and Distance Education
The Pennsylvania State University
115 Mitchell Building
University Park, PA 16802
E-mail: lcr1@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-3114
Jay Newman
Education Technology Services
The Pennsylvania State University
225 Computer Building
University Park, PA 16802-2102
E-mail: dn5@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-1555
Fax: (814) 863-7049
Marie H Hornbein
Instructional Media/WPSX-TV
The Pennsylvania State University
207 Mitchell Building
University Park PA 16802-3505
E-mail: mxh17@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-4328
(The above prices include the WeedKey User Guide) Shipping costs will be added to the prices unless an order is prepaid.
*Penn State departments may also pay by idcc to bat5 544-34
For additional information, please contact Nathan Hartwig at the above location or Education Technology Services at (814) 863-1654 or ets@psu.edu.
Updated August 29, 1997 by kmh20@psu.edu.