Geographic Information Technology Laboratory and Certificate Program

该项目是适应，实施和完善的GIS课程，在全国各地现有的成功的GIS方案为蓝本;和2）建设一个更完整的GIS计算机实验室，在GIS和遥感技术和应用本科生的研究教学。该实验室的主要用户是大学地理信息系统证书课程的本科生。该地理信息系统证书课程的目标包括为中小企业和非中小企业学生提供应用技术学习课程。 参与的学生正在学习介绍空间分析技术。他们也有机会与教师合作进行研究使用GIS。 科学的调查方法在整个程序中得到加强，以帮助学生完善他们的批判性思维和解决问题的技能。这个程序是改编和修改从几个NSF资助的GIS在其他大学，特别是北方亚拉巴马大学，纽约州立大学奥尔巴尼分校和格鲁吉亚大学的计划，并从NSF的“塑造未来”报告（NSF 96-139，1996年）的建议为指导。通过利用其他GIS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量身定制的创新项目。虽然该计划已经超越了试点项目阶段，但仍然需要不断保持课程的最新，特别是在GIS这样一个快速变化的技术领域。这个项目是完善现有的课程和扩大课程，以服务于其他部门的学生，包括化学，生物和市场营销。该开发计划旨在为其他规划GIS技术计划的机构提供地方，区域和国家模型。

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.