Innovations that promote this broader perspective on student learning should be integrated into all courses in Earth system science. Courses in Earth system science are also uniquely suited to drawing connections with societal issues and making science relevant to all students. Field studies are vital in connecting Earth system science content to students life experiences and should involve students in questioning, data gathering, and interpretation. Computerized virtual field trips can be used to help students understand a field area in a larger context and to focus' students attention on particularly important observations. Earth system science courses should take advantage of the revolution in multimedia and information technology.
Computers allow students access to large spatial and time series databases.
This requires user-friendly display and analysis tools for students. Modeling and simulation software provide unique opportunities for students to study systems thinking and to compare model output with real data. Furthermore, appropriate use of the burgeoning volume of multimedia materials will be critical in Earth system science courses. Communications technology allows for collaboration and sharing of observations and ideas over large distances, and networking and computing infrastructure must be created and available to all students. The time required for development and testing of innovative strategies is a barrier to change, and faculty should take advantage of each other's successes.