Minggu, 09 September 2012

Teaching Geographic Information Science and Technology in Higher Education Eds. D. Unwin, K. Foote, N. Tate & D. DiBiase - Book review




Teaching Geographic Information Science and Technology in Higher Education

Edited by: David J. Unwin, Kenneth E. Foote, Nicholas J. Tate, David DiBiase

Published: January 6, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 496 pages
ISBN-10: 0470748567
ISBN-13: 978-0470748565
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell












"This book is an effort to document three decades of innovation in geographic information science and technology (GIS&T) eduction, to take stock of lessons learned, to identify new developments and to flag directions for future advances", write former professor of geography at Birkbeck Colleges, London, England, David J. Unwin; professor of geography at the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, Kenneth E. Foote; senior lecturer at the department of geography, University of Leicester, England, Nicholas J. Tate; and director of eduction, industry solutions, Esri, David DiBiase, editors of the comprehensive and innovative book Teaching Geographic Information Science and Technology in Higher Education. The editors present a series of articles, written by leading authorities in the field, that provide insights into the latest innovations in GIS&T, discussion of the future of GI Science and Technology, as well as the teaching innovations and lessons learned through experience within the discipline.

David J. Unwin, Kenneth E. Foote, Nicholas J. Tate, and David DiBiase offer an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and teaching the principles and concepts of GIS&T that cross international boundaries. This collaboration is described by the editors as a form of community of practice. This collaborative model is one that can be utilized effectively in geography, across disciplines, and across locations. The editors share insights into the latest technologies, as well as the latest advances in GIS&T eduction. In a rapidly changing discipline, the editors provide a framework for learning the overall principles of today, and concepts that will remain place regardless of advances in the field and its supporting technology.

David J. Unwin, Kenneth E. Foote, Nicholas J. Tate, and David DiBiase recognize that GIS&T has challenged educators. The entire field of GIS&T has grown rapidly in size from a niche educational segment to an important discipline. Innovation in education has been necessitated by, and helped to influence the growth of GIS&T as an educational field.

The editors provide the latest advances in both technology and subject matter. At the same time, they share important articles on how to teach that material effectively, how to design courses, and how to apply cutting edge digital technology to the teaching process. The essays included in the book include the following subject material areas:

* GIS&T in the academic curriculum
* Issues in curriculum and course design
* Perspectives in teaching GIS&T
* Digital worlds and teaching GIS&T
* Distance learning and e-learning
* Conclusion and the way forward for GIS&T

For me, the power of the book is how David J. Unwin, Kenneth E. Foote, Nicholas J. Tate, and David DiBiase present the latest innovations in teaching GIS&T, through a well organized and logically sequenced series of essays. The editors are acknowledged leaders in teaching and innovation within the GIS&T discipline. To complement their own work, the editors have compiled additional specialized chapters written by other leading authorities in the field.

This one of a kind book not only demonstrates the potential of web-based instructional materials, distance education, professional training and certification for GIS&T education, but offers a tremendous resource for other disciplines as well. The methodologies of teaching and the lessons learned are readily applicable to other fields as well. The recognition that GIS&T is a very dynamic and changing field, as well as a truly international one, are key elements of the book. The editors anticipate evolution in the methods and technology, and offer discussion on how to integrate those changes into the curriculum in the future.

I highly recommend the essential and definitive book Teaching Geographic Information Science and Technology in Higher Education edited by David J. Unwin, Kenneth E. Foote, Nicholas J. Tate, and David DiBiase, to any academics and students in GIS&T and related disciplines, industry trainers in the use of GIS&T, faculty in other fields, public policy makers interested in learning more about the subject matter, and members of general public seeking a complete guide to teaching and learning leading edge principles and technologies in GIS&T. This book is unique and a source of discussion for the future of education in general, and GIS&T pedagogy in particular.

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