A new concept of teaching spatial information systems basics at Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography, WUT

Abstract

This article presents a new approach to teaching the basics of Geographic Information Systems for the first-degree studies (Geodesy and Cartography and Spatial Management fields of study) at the Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography of the Warsaw University of Technology. Proposed changes of the teaching method answer to the low involvement of students in project classes which has been recently noticed. Experiences have shown that the division of classes into several small, separate modules, makes it difficult for students to see the overall content of a course. Introduction of project management methodology elements helps students understand the consequence of such tasks as: data acquisition, analysis and processing, all tasks performed by the project participants, as well as objectives to be achieved. No less important is the emphasis on the division of work between individual students, allowing them to gain experience as teamworkers. The second part of the article presents the results of a survey conducted among students in both fields of study. The answers given to 11 questions made it possible to examine the project attractiveness and the utility of its contents, as well as to draw conclusions concerning the presented approach to GIS teaching. The authors present the conclusions concerning classes conducted by different teachers.