GIS in the Rockies

Using Badges to Document

Competency-Based Geospatial Learning

Stephen A. McElroy, Ph.D., GISP

October 9, 2013

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• Introduction

• Institutional Context – American Sentinel University

• Competency-Based Learning and Measuring Outcomes

• Overview of the Geospatial Learning Lab

• Badge System

• Conclusion

Presentation Outline

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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.

What is an Online Geospatial Learning Lab?

+ = ?

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Geospatial Competencies

• Creating and Sharing Maps

• Geodatabases and Topology

• Geoprocessing Fundamentals

• Geoprocessing Modeling and Automation

• Geospatial Data Management

• Image Analysis Fundamentals

• Raster Data and Analysis Fundamentals

• Spatial Statistics

• Surface Modeling and Terrain Analysis

• 3D Visualization and Analysis

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Geospatial Learning Lab in Context

Lab is a complimentary

resource that will benefit:

Overall GIS Program

• Associate level

• Bachelor’s level

• Master’s level

University as a whole

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1. Applied Learning

2. Intellectual Skills

3. Specialized Knowledge

4. Broad, Integrative Knowledge

5. Civic Learning

http://www.luminafoundation.org

Measuring Educational Outcomes

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Online Geospatial Learning Lab

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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

Educational Resources

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Step-by-step tutorials

• Overview of tools used

• Learning activity

• Self-assessment

Geospatial Learning Lab Materials

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Case Studies – real-world applications of GIS tools

• Demonstrate learned skills

• Develop spatial problem-solving skills

Geospatial Learning Lab Materials

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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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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 self-

guided case studies with a strong geoprocessing component.

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Online Badge System

Documentation of competency-based learning

Geoprocessing Modeling and Automation

Basic Knowledge

ModelBuilder

Python

Core Topic Area Basic Badge Concepts

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Badge Certificate of Completion

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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

www.americansentinel.edu 800.729.2427

Stephen A. McElroy, Ph.D., GISP GIS Program Chair

Stephen.McElroy@americansentinel.edu