Teaching and Learning with Geospatial Tools (2020 – Winter)

Catalog description: Exploration of geospatial tools, including but not limited to global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and related visualization tools (e.g., Google Earth). Application of these tools and techniques to instructional settings, including appropriate pedagogy and assessment.

Course format:

  • This class is a short-form course, meeting both synchronously and asynchronously online over a 5 week stretch.
  • All graded assignments must be submitted via Course Site
  • All synchronous sessions will use this Zoom Link. The password is our class password and is available on Course Site and was emailed to all registered students.
  • Here is a link to our course Slack workspace. We will use this tool to share ideas, collaborate, support each other, post helpful tips, and make class announcements.

  • Course Timeline

    Students will work through the module content each week asynchronously and meet at least once weekly synchronously as a class.

    NOTE: This schedule WILL change as we progress through the course. Students are responsible for checking this page often to stay up-to-date.

  • Guest Speakers

    12/30/20 – Dr. Thomas Hammond – “So you want to teach with some geospatial tools?” – Slides

    1/6/21 – Amanda Allekotte – “Using ArcGIS StoryMaps for Public Engagement” – Slides

    1/13/21 – Jeremy Mack – “Geospatial Tools in Practice” – Slides

    1/20/21 – Dr. Farah Vallera – “Design Thinking” – Slides

  • Week 1 – 12/28 – 12/30

    Topics: Intros, Geocaching, GPS, Geography Basics, Significance of Geospatial Tools, Google Earth, Map Projections, SS Savannah

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Hammond & GSTs for Teaching & Learning?

    Module Link

    Due Friday, 1/1, by 6pm: Assignment #1 – Google Earth Part A – Submit via Course Site

    Zoom Session – 12/30 @ 7:15pm

    Optional Lab Time – Mon 1/4 @ 7:15pm – Zoom Link

  • Week 2 – 12/31- 1/6

    Topics: The Googleverse, ArcGIS Part 1, GIS in the Community, GIS in the Classroom, ArcGIS Part 2, ArcGIS Story Maps

    Guest Speaker – Amanda Allekotte – Proposal Development Specialist, MA candidate in Environmental Policy Design, former TLT/ES 368 student

    Module Link

    Due Friday, 1/8, by 6pm – Assignment #1 – Google Earth – Part B – Submit via Course Site

    Zoom Session – 1/6 @ 7:15pm

    Optional Lab Time – Thurs 1/7 @ 7:15pm and Mon 1/11 @ 7:15pm – Zoom Link

  • Week 3 – 1/7 – 1/13

    Topics: Local Inquiry & Data Collection, Spatial Thinking, Map Design, Maps as Advocacy, Other GIS Tools

    Guest Speaker: Jeremy Mack, GIS & Environmental Science expert

    Module Link

    Due Friday, 1/15, by 6pm – Assignment #2 – ArcGIS Part A – Submit via Course Site

    Zoom Session – 1/13 @ 7:15pm

    Optional Lab Time – Thurs 1/14 @ 7:15pm and Mon 1/18 @ 7:15pm – Zoom Link

  • Week 4 – 1/14 – 1/20

    Topics: Pedagogy & GST, Geospatial Games, Innovation/Diffusion, Computational Thinking, Course Reflection

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Vallera & Design Thinking

    Module Link

    Due Friday, 1/22, by 6pm – Assignment #2 – ArcGIS Part B. Submit via Course Site.

    Zoom Session – 1/20 @ 7:15pm

    Optional Lab Time – Thurs 1/21 @ 7:15pm and Mon 1/25 @ 7:15pm – Zoom Link

  • Week 5 – 1/21 – 1/27

    Topics: Final Project Work

    Zoom Session – 1/27 @ 7:15pm – Student Presentations

    Final Exit Survey

  • Final Project

    Due Friday, 1/29 by 11:59pm – submit via Course Site

Key Links