Lightning Talk

1. Using Badges to Document
Competency-Based Geospatial Learning
Stephen A. McElroy, Ph.D., GISP
GIS in the Rockies
October 9, 2013

2. Presentation Outline
• Introduction
• Institutional Context – American Sentinel University
• Competency-Based Learning and Measuring Outcomes
• Overview of the Geospatial Learning Lab
• Badge System
• Conclusion
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3. What is an Online Geospatial Learning Lab?
A space that brings together resources and materials
in a way that facilitates the development of an active
learning community.
A one-stop shop that serves as a destination for students
to learn and have fun.
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4. Geospatial Competencies
• Creating and Sharing Maps
• Geodatabases and
Topology
• Geoprocessing
Fundamentals
• Image Analysis
Fundamentals
• Raster Data and Analysis
Fundamentals
• Spatial Statistics
• Geoprocessing Modeling
and Automation
• Geospatial Data
Management
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• Surface Modeling and
Terrain Analysis
• 3D Visualization and
Analysis

5. Geospatial Learning Lab in Context
Lab is a complimentary
resource that will benefit:
 Overall GIS Program
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•
•
Associate level
Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
 University as a whole
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6. Measuring Educational Outcomes
1. Applied Learning
2. Intellectual Skills
3. Specialized Knowledge
4. Broad, Integrative Knowledge
5. Civic Learning
http://www.luminafoundation.org
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7. Online Geospatial Learning Lab
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8. Educational Resources
Education – links to tutorials, training, and other learning
opportunities
• ESRI – wealth of GIS information in a variety of formats
(Virtual Campus web courses, training seminars, and videos)
• SpatiaLABS – apply concepts and skills to real-world scenarios
• Tutorials with step-by-step instructions
• Case studies
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9. Geospatial Learning Lab Materials
Step-by-step tutorials
• Overview of tools used
• Learning activity
• Self-assessment
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10. Geospatial Learning Lab Materials
Case Studies – real-world applications of GIS tools
• Demonstrate learned skills
• Develop spatial problem-solving skills
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11. Self-Assessment and Accountability
Learning at your own pace while providing
opportunities to measure success
• Simple self-assessments for step-by-step
tutorials and case studies
• Online badge system
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12. Online Badge System
Three Badge Levels
• Basic
• Learn the concepts of geoprocessing by reviewing a collection
of ArcGIS Help pages, supplemental readings, informational
videos, and recorded training seminars.
•
Intermediate
• Build fundamental knowledge by completing webinars, web
courses, and self-guided tutorials.
•
Advanced
• Apply skills to real-world applications by completing selfguided case studies with a strong geoprocessing component.
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13. Online Badge System
Documentation of competency-based learning
Core Topic Area
Basic Badge Concepts
Basic Knowledge
Geoprocessing
Modeling and
Automation
ModelBuilder
Python
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14. Badge Certificate of Completion
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15. Online Badge System Improvements
Future Developments
• Badge summary tracking page
• Streamlined integration to ePortfolio
• Badge delivery mechanism
• Integration of material into course content
• Pathways from course content to Geospatial
Learning Lab resources
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16. Stephen A. McElroy, Ph.D., GISP
GIS Program Chair
Stephen.McElroy@americansentinel.edu
www.americansentinel.edu
800.729.2427