Expansion of Undergraduate Geographic Information System (GIS) Training and Experiential Learning Opportunities

这个西南部项目解决了对训练有素的地理信息系统（GIS）技术人员和分析师日益增长的就业需求。该项目还侧重于最先进的GIS课程开发，将基于工作的SCANS能力和职业途径纳入GIS学位课程。在技术教育和少数民族学生的成功、职业道路和基于项目的实验室经验方面的研究结果构成了进一步制定国家技能标准的基础。该项目的目标包括：（1）开发一系列以工作为基础的实验室练习，这些练习由雇主驱动，使学生接触与使用全球定位系统和地理信息系统程序设计和收集可靠和准确的数据集有关的问题;（二）培训地区中学教员应用地理信息系统和全球定位系统，因为这些系统适用于将地理信息系统组成部分纳入当前技术准备协议; 3）增加选择参加中学后地理信息系统/全球定位系统培训的农村少数民族中学生的人数，以便在目前空缺的地理信息系统职位上就业; 4）与领先的地理信息系统和全球定位系统软件公司合作，制定基于行业的技能标准;以及5）与其他学院和国家科学基金会分享制定的课程。

This southwestern project addresses the growing employment demand for trained Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technicians and analysts. This project also focuses on state-of-the-art GIS curriculum development incorporating work-based SCANS competencies and career-pathways into GIS degree programs. Research-based findings in technology education and minority student success, career pathways and project-based laboratory experiences form the basis for the further development of national skill standards. The objectives for the project include the: 1) Development of a series of work-based laboratory exercises that are employer-driven exposing students to the problems associated with the design and collection of reliable and accurate data sets using GPS and GIS programs; 2) Training of area secondary school faculty in the application of GIS and GPS as they apply to a variety of occupations that incorporate GIS components into current Technical Preparation agreements; 3) Increasing the number of rurally-isolated, minority secondary students who choose to participate in post-secondary GIS/GPS training for employment in currently unfilled GIS positions; 4) Working with the leading GIS and GPS softwarecompanies in the development of industry-based skill standards; and 5) Sharing the curriculum developed with other colleges and NSF.