Computer utilization in teaching earth sciences: Experience of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

The involvement of computers in earth sciences education increased dramatically in the latest decade. At present, several courses in geology utilize software and Computer Based Training (CBT) that help in interpreting and describing the most complicated concepts in very simple ways. This paper presents a general review of computer involvement in teaching earth sciences subjects at Earth Sciences Department (ESD) of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. The results of a case study are exhibited to reflect the achievements of utilizing computers in the Department. The results are encouraging and support future incorporation of computers in additional geology courses. The experience of ESD in this regard could be taken as an example to develop academic teaching programs in other earth sciences departments in developing countries.