Folks:
I would like to bring to your attention two upcoming MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).
Both are free and focused on spatial thinking, spatial analysis, and include
videos, discussions, readings, quizzes, and immersion in GIS tools and problem
solving. Perhaps they
would serve as a good way for your colleagues who wonder “what’s the big deal
with GIS, anyway?” or “I’ve always wanted to learn about GIS but don’t have the
time or money”.
1) Skills for the Digital Earth MOOC – through Elmhurst
College – 3 through 30 April 2016:
http://www.elmhurst.edu/admission/school_for_professional_studies/239271581.html
Ever stop to think about how
important location is when using your smart phone? This educational MOOC begins
with an explanation of how society uses location in a myriad of disciplines.
Geography, or rather, "where?" is important to all of us from various
perspectives. Within this MOOC, participants will learn what location
technologies are used for, how the discipline developed and learn by doing via
a series of scaffolded practical exercises. Online spatial software will be
employed for any device using a browser which takes users through exercises and
real world examples. It is appropriate for those with no prior experience with
geographic information systems (GIS) software all the way to advanced
users. It is based on the Geospatial Technology Competency Model.
See one of the videos I made for the course to
get a feel for it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9g0tsQwRAU
2) The Location Advantage – through Esri – 16 March
through 27 April 2016:
http://www.esri.com/mooc/location-advantage
Location
analytics uses the locational component of business data to improve users’
understanding of their market, customers, and business processes. Organizations
throughout the world use location analytics to make better decisions and gain a
competitive advantage. This free, instructor-led MOOC explores the capabilities
of Esri Business Analyst Online. For you all in the education world, it
would help you and your students investigate business-related patterns,
relationships, and trends. Also feel free to spread the word about it to
your student and instructor colleagues in your school, community college, or
university. There
are some key environmental business considerations embedded in the activities
and readings.
Joseph Kerski
