Applied geospatial techniques: An integrated approach to teaching and learning of geospatial sciences
Students entering Geospatial Science at RMIT University are enrolled in one of three programs - Surveying, Multimedia Cartography or Geomatics. The structure of these programs is highly integrated (particularly in 1st year) to reflect the common learning outcomes. However, students often have difficulty seeing the relevance of some parts of the curriculum to their program of choice. This perception of lack of relevance can lead to a lack of engagement.
A new practical course, integrating surveying, geographic information systems (GIS) and cartography was offered for the first time in semester 2, 2006. The primary aim of this course was to develop practical skills that will be of use to students in later courses by simulating a real-life project in which spatial data are collected in the field, analysed through the use of GIS and finally presented in a professional manner using contemporary cartography software. A secondary aim of this new course is to change student perceptions that each of these disciplines is separate, discrete and unrelated.
This paper discusses current research that aims to identify student's views on how the three streams of the broad geospatial area integrate. Initially they were asked to answer a questionnaire where their perception and attitude towards the new course as a whole and its three areas were identified. In addition, an independent observer followed students through the course, recording their reactions to the different components and the difficulties they encountered integrating the three components. A second questionnaire, completed by students at the end of the course, enabled student changes in perception and attitude towards the three areas of study to be ascertained.
It is anticipated that through this research, curriculum design for geospatial science courses can incorporate material that enables undergraduate students to develop a more holistic view of geospatial problem solving and to better contextualise their own discipline of study within the broader geospatial industry.