Geospatial Technician Education Through Virginia’s Community Colleges (GTEVCC)

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Geospatial Technician Education Through Virginias Community Colleges (GTEVCC)VGIN Board MeetingOctober 14, 2009

GTEVCCNSF Project-09032701Contact InformationChris CarterAssistant DirectorVirginia Space Grant ConsortiumHampton, Va. [email protected](757) 766-5210John McGee, Ph.D. Virginia GeospatialExtension SpecialistVirginia Tech [email protected](540) 231-2428GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270A Little BackgroundThe VCCS, The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program, and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium have been working on this for a while.

2003: Strategic planning meeting at PVCC with Bob Bailey and Anne Johnson (ESRI)Fall 2006: Submitted a full proposal to the NSFWinter 2007: Submitted a planning proposal to the NSF

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270A Little (more) BackgroundSpring 2007: Awarded a $150,000 planning NSF/ATE planning grant Fall 2008: Submitted a full proposal to the NSFSpring 2009: Awarded NSF / ATE funding from the NSF3 yearsApproximately $900,000

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCCVisionEstablish and grow three unique academic pathways in geospatial technology (GST) at partnering VCCS colleges to provide employers in Virginia with a larger pool of skilled geospatial technicians.

Pathways will serve as academic models for other VCCS community colleges. GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCCOverarching Project Goal Continue to build a network of partnerships among community colleges, college faculty, business/industry and public sector (employers), universities, and national organizations to improve communication among all GST stakeholders across the state.

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCC-Partners

VSGC managing and administering on behalf of VCCSVirginia Geospatial Extension Program at Virginia Tech Virginia Community College System (VCCS)Virginia Western Community CollegeJohn Tyler Community CollegeTidewater Community College

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCC-Steering CommitteeRodney Clayton-TCC, Co-IDr. John McGee-VT, Co-IDavid Webb-VWCC, Co-IDr. William Wyatt-JTCC, Co-IGeorge McLeod-TCC Adjunct, GIS Systems Engineer-ODUInez Farrell-VCCS, Director of Instructional Technology Stephanie Baird Wilkerson-Magnolia Consulting, External EvaluationChris Carter-VSGC, PI PI

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCC Advisory CommitteeNASA LangleyMichael Baker, Inc.Timmons, Inc. R&K EngineeringJames Madison UniversityVGINMountain Empire CCFaculty Emeritus from Virginia TechVirginia Department of EducationESRIVAMLIS

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCC-Results from Planning GrantGST Workforce Needs Survey CompletedVirginia DACUM CreatedPilot Workshops ConductedTCC Established Certificate in GISVCCS Geospatial Webportal Planned

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Authentic Learning (AL) model of student instruction. Informed by best practices developed through earlier NSF grants, VCCS leadership has initiated AL as a model for instruction that includes unique problem-based scenarios and strategies. Some elements of AL include: business-driven, real-world problems in which multiple solutions are acceptable; structured curriculum centered on process tools; team-based system of student-managed learning; and, performance-based assessments.11

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCC-GoalsGoal 1Build academic pathways in GST at three geographically dispersed community colleges that can serve as models for other community colleges.Goal 2Provide professional development for community college faculty and precollege teachers in Virginia to increase use of GST and to disseminate resources. Workshops; Mentoring ; Connecting

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Authentic Learning (AL) model of student instruction. Informed by best practices developed through earlier NSF grants, VCCS leadership has initiated AL as a model for instruction that includes unique problem-based scenarios and strategies. Some elements of AL include: business-driven, real-world problems in which multiple solutions are acceptable; structured curriculum centered on process tools; team-based system of student-managed learning; and, performance-based assessments.

13GTEVCC-GoalsGoal 3Build the GST workforce pipeline by increasing enrollment in geospatial programs. Goal 4Create and sustain a GST web portal to serve as a repository for GST pathway models, curriculum, professional development materials, and other resources. Goal 5Ensure project participants represent diversity in gender and ethnicity.

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270TCC-Career Studies Certificate

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270

TCC-Career Studies Certificate GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GTEVCC High-School Teacher Workshop GoalRaise the level of GST knowledge and skills among high school teachers (CTE, science, computer) from service region of partnering collegesIncrease integration of GST into the classroomActivitiesConduct one summer workshop for 15 teachers from each service region (3 day + 1 day followup)VWCC and TCC (2010)JTCC (2011)

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Professional Development for VCCS FacultyJohn McGee, VTGTEVCCNSF Project-0903270GoalRaise the level of GIS expertise at VCCS partnering collegesSummary of ObjectivesConduct two intensive summer workshops (2010 & 2011) for 15 faculty from 10 different colleges, plus3 High School teachers (1 from each region) who are moderately experienced in GST

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Workshop ApproachThe VA DACUM will serve as our guideHands on lessons and exercises using VA Datathe best of the bestProblem solving, project basedNot just button pushing...

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Workshop ApproachExpanding the network Guest speakers:Community College Faculty: George McLeod, David Webb, Rodney ClaytonMECC Faculty-across the curriculum; Susan Kennedy-MECC Online GIS Certificate ProgramOther Community College Faculty: CPCC (Charlotte NC)Virginia Industry / geospatial employersVGINLocal / state governmentsPrivate industryTextbook and geospatial resource showcase

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Networking and MarketingIntegration with the National GeoTech Center and the Map@syst Community of Practice (CoP)VCCS Faculty will learn how to access and populate the VCCS Geospatial Web Portal Information sharingEnhance Marketing effortsDependable access to organized linksVCCS brandedCalendar of GIS events in VA

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Challenges & Opportunities(just to name a few)Work with software that is current (we need to anticipate ArcGIS 9.4 and whatever else is coming down the road)Provide VCCS faculty with intensive instruction, without overwhelming themProvide VCCS faculty with the confidence and vernacular to help them network and problem solveGTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Introduce VCCS faculty to a network of resources to support their teaching efforts National GeoTech Center Other regional / local resources Online trainingData & software accessLocal, state, and national points of contactThe VCCS Geospatial Web PortalMap@syst

Challenges & Opportunities(continued)GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Provide VCCS faculty with initial data that is applicable to their specific geographic areas;Provide VCCS faculty with training and an educational structure that will support the needs of Virginias geospatial employers (train the trainer);Recruit VCCS faculty to attend the intensive workshops If faculty dont know what it [GIS] is then they will not be interested in attending;Support the establishment of a network whereby VCCS faculty (and others) can serve as mentors.

Challenges & Opportunities(continued)GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270The WorkshopJuly 24 to July 30th, 2010Held at the Virginia Tech the Center for Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing (CEARS)7 day WorkshopVCCS faculty will receive room, M&IE, and a stipend to attendCommunity Colleges are responsible for transportation expenses to / from Blacksburg

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Brochure draft copy

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270VCCS WebPortalDiscourage stove-piping by providing an efficient mechanism to support sharing and communication between VCCS geospatial facultyProvide geospatial related information to studentsProvide one-stop shopping to external geospatial informationThis resource is not intended to be a spatial data clearinghouse, or repository but could evolve into such a resource in the future if warranted.

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270The VCCS WebPortalDrupal basedOpen sourceModules, and add-on tools / etc. have been developed, and are easily available alreadyTemplates available for each community college presenceMultiple user privilege levelsStatistics generator to support reportingGTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Key Content Areas Identified by the Workgroup:

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270SummaryGTEVCCNSF Project-0903270In shortThe VCCS is well poised to support Geospatial Workforce development in VirginiaRequires marketing, workforce development, coordination, and development of model programs Faculty are excitedVirginias industry is excited

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Program AssistanceVGIN has provided leadership already, both formally and informallyServe on the advisory board for both the planning grant and the present grantVGIN employees (Stuart Blankenship and John Scrivani) have been serving as adjunct faculty at community colleges and continue to provide vital input throughout this processVGINs framework datasets have been, and will continue to be used by Community College faculty

GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270What Assistance Can VGIN Provide?Support marketing / awareness efforts of the program through local, regional, and state meetings (as well as NSGIC and national venues);Continued leadership on the advisory committee;Participation / presentation at the VCCS Geospatial Institute in Blacksburg, VA (July 24th 30th, 2010);GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270What Assistance Can VGIN Provide (continued)?Continued leadership and mentorship at VCCS member institutions / GIS Day (regional coordinators and others);Assistance with the VCCS Web Portal;Assistance disseminating geospatial framework data to VCCS instructors / institutions.

Note: this is not a one shot deal. This effort will need to be sustained for several years.GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Questions?GTEVCCNSF Project-0903270Private Resources

EventsHomepageCalendar

GIS ExerciseModules+ Curriculum Download

GIS OfferingsMeta DataDacumVCCS Workforce NeedsCareer PathwaysJob Search/National Engine?VEC?

Home PageSite DescriptionBrief Mission StatementMap of VA Community Colleges w / linksTrainingFeedback InputNavigation ToolSearch FunctionNSF /VCCS CreditDiscrete Log-in

GPS ResourcesModules+ Curriculum Download

Faculty ResourcesCurriuculumPower PointResourcesURLsProfessional Dev.

Limited discussion forum (registration)

External Links-NSF GIS Regional Centers-Local Govt. Resources-State Agency Resource-Federal Agency Resources-Private Sector Resources-Other Notable Community College ResourcesNational/Regional AssociationsSoftware/Hardware Providers

DecisionsStats and MetricsGoggle or MD FormStatic or WIKIPrivate or Public

Registration?

Remote SensingModules+ Curriculum Download

Student / Public ResourcesCurriuculumPower PointResourcesURLs

Limited Access to Faculty Resources?

GPS Resources

GIS Resources

Remote Sensing