Geographic Information Technology Laboratory and Certificate Program

该项目以全国现有的成功的地理信息系统项目为蓝本，调整、实施和完善地理信息系统课程；2)建设更完善的GIS计算机实验室，用于GIS和遥感技术的教学和本科应用研究。该实验室的主要用户是参加该大学GIS证书课程的本科生。地理信息系统证书课程的目标包括为SMET和非SMET学生提供应用技术课程。参与的学生正在学习入门空间分析技术。他们也有机会与使用GIS进行研究的教师合作。科学的探究方法在整个课程中得到加强，以帮助学生完善他们的批判性思维和解决问题的能力。这个项目是根据美国国家科学基金会资助的其他大学的GIS项目改编和修改的，特别是北阿拉巴马大学、纽约州立大学奥尔巴尼分校和佐治亚大学，并以美国国家科学基金会“塑造未来”报告（NSF 96-139, 1996）的建议为指导。通过利用其他地理信息系统项目的优势，并结合“塑造未来”的建议，KSU正在建立一个坚实的基础，并开发一个专门为学生群体量身定制的创新项目。虽然该方案已经超越了试点项目阶段，但仍然需要不断保持课程的时效性，特别是在GIS等快速变化的技术领域。这个项目正在完善现有的课程，并扩大课程，以服务其他系的学生，包括化学、生物和市场营销。这一发展计划旨在为其他规划GIS技术计划的机构提供地方、区域和国家模式。

This project is adapting, implementing, and refining a GIS curriculum modeled on existing successful GIS programs across the country; and 2) constructing a more complete GIS computer laboratory for instruction in GIS and remote sensing technologies and applied undergraduate research. The primary users of the lab are undergraduates enrolled in the University's GIS certificate program.The objectives of this GIS certificate program include offering a course of study in applied technology designed for SMET and non-SMET students. Participating students are learning introductory spatial analysis techniques. They also have opportunities to collaborate with faculty conducting research in using GIS. The scientific method of inquiry is reinforced throughout the program to help students refine their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.This program was adapted and modified from several NSF-funded GIS programs at other universities, notably Northern Alabama University, SUNY-Albany and the University of Georgia, and guided by the recommendations from NSF's "Shaping the Future" report (NSF 96-139, 1996). By capitalizing on the strengths of other GIS programs, and incorporating recommendations from "Shaping the Future," KSU is building a strong foundation and developing an innovative program tailored specifically for its student body. Although this program has moved beyond the pilot project stage, there is still a need to continually keep the curriculum current, especially in a rapidly changing technological field as GIS. This project is refining the existing curriculum and expanding the curriculum to serve students from other departments, including chemistry, biology and marketing. This developing program is intended to serve as a local, regional and national model for other institutions planning GIS Technology programs.