Combining Distance and Face-to-Face Teaching and Learning in Spatial Computations

Gulland, Elizabeth-Kate; Schut, A.G.T.; Veenendaal, Bert

doi:10.5194/isprsarchives-xxxviii-6-w27-23-2011

Cited by 1 publication

(7 citation statements)

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“…As shown in It has been observed since the introduction of SpC into the Bachelor of Surveying course that surveying students tend to resist learning computer programming as they are more focussed on fieldwork (Gulland et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Postgraduate students in SpC tend to have a much higher pass and retention rate than undergraduate students (Gulland et al, 2011). Undergraduate students engage less in the SpC unit and their retention rates are lagging.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous work focussed on the differences between student cohorts, in particular between fully online and on-campus students (Gulland et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Spatial Computations (SpC) is a requirement for graduation in all study programs within the Department of Spatial Sciences, including Bachelor of Science courses in Geographic Information Science (GISc) and Mine & Engineering Surveying, Bachelor of Surveying, and postgraduate courses in GISc, Surveying and Mapping, and Geospatial Science (Gulland et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of modifications have been applied to this unit over the period [2009][2010][2011] in an effort to improve student engagement and retention in the unit (Gulland et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Building Interactivity in Higher Education to Support Student Engagement in Spatial Problem Solving and Programming

Gulland

Veenendaal

Schut

2012

Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci.

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ABSTRACT:Problem-solving knowledge and skills are an important attribute of spatial sciences graduates. The challenge of higher education is to build a teaching and learning environment that enables students to acquire these skills in relevant and authentic applications. This study investigates the effectiveness of traditional face-to-face teaching and online learning technologies in supporting the student learning of problem-solving and computer programming skills, techniques and solutions. The student cohort considered for this study involves students in the surveying as well as geographic information science (GISc) disciplines. Also, students studying across a range of learning modes including on-campus, distance and blended, are considered in this study. Student feedback and past studies reveal a lack of student interest and engagement in problem solving and computer programming. Many students do not see such skills as directly relevant and applicable to their perceptions of what future spatial careers hold. A range of teaching and learning methods for both face-to-face teaching and distance learning were introduced to address some of the perceived weaknesses of the learning environment. These included initiating greater student interaction in lectures, modifying assessments to provide greater feedback and student accountability, and the provision of more interactive and engaging online learning resources. The paper presents and evaluates the teaching methods used to support the student learning environment. Responses of students in relation to their learning experiences were collected via two anonymous, online surveys and these results were analysed with respect to student pass and retention rates. The study found a clear distinction between expectations and engagement of surveying students in comparison to GISc students. A further outcome revealed that students who were already engaged in their learning benefited the most from the interactive learning resources and opportunities provided.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous work focussed on the differences between student cohorts, in particular between fully online and on-campus students (Gulland et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of modifications have been applied to this unit over the period [2009][2010][2011] in an effort to improve student engagement and retention in the unit (Gulland et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations