Virtual GIS Classroom FAQ

· Will I receive hard-copy versions of the course materials?

Yes, before the course begins we will mail you hard-copy versions of all the lecture and exercise materials. Of course these materials will also be available online, but it’s always nice to have a bound hard-copy version of the materials.

· How long will my program take to complete?

Each course has specific start and end dates.

· How does the Virtual GIS Classroom differ from your traditional download and CD courses?

Although there are certainly some similarities between the two virtual learning formats there are many differences. The first and perhaps most important distinction is that there is a great deal of interaction between students and the instructor through the use of chat sessions, discussion boards, phone conversations, and email. In addition, we also focus heavily on providing relevant exercise materials so that you get a lot of hands on practice with the technology you are studying. You will still get the same great lecture materials which can be repeated anytime in the future.

· How and when do I enroll in online courses?

You can enroll in this course online or by phone.

· What are the computer requirements for taking a course?

Coming soon. Contact eric@geospatialtraining.com for more details.

· How do I interact with my instructor and peers?

One of the greatest strengths of the GeoSpatial Training online learning environment is the opportunity to discuss issues and gain ideas from your instructors and other learners. You will participate in chat sessions and discussion forums with your instructor and course colleagues on a regular basis. You will also receive regular email communications from the instructor. In addition, you will participate in two one-on-one telephone meetings with the instructor during the course to assess your current progress, receive coaching, and obtain feedback.

· How do I receive and hand in assignments?

All assignments are available in your online course room. Each week’s activities are clearly organized in the syllabus. You can view all assignments and due dates to help you plan. You can view and print assignments, discuss them with your learning colleagues, and ask for feedback from your instructor.

· Do I receive hands on exercises to supplement and enhance my learning?

Absolutely. We believe that the best way to learn technical GIS skills is through as much hands on training as possible. You will spend a significant amount of time completing exercises.

· What time are classes held?

You can participate in course activities at any time, day or night, wherever you have an Internet connection. Not all your course work requires you to work online. Much of your project work will be done offline. Most people enter the online courseroom several times each week to participate in discussion, but there is no set class schedule so you can “attend class” any time of day. However, the instructor will be available online at specific times each week should you need any assistance.

· How much time should I reserve?

The amount of time you spend on course activities each week varies greatly by student. However, you should expect to devote somewhere between 5 to 15 hours per week, per course.

· Do classes have specific start and end dates?

Yes, each course has specific start and end dates which can be referenced through our calendar. However, you will receive hard copy versions of the course materials so that you will have reference materials for future use, and your course materials will be available to you for 6 months on the Internet.

· Are your courses certified through GISCI for my GISP certification?

Yes, all courses offered by GeoSpatial Training Services are certified as educational credit points toward your GISP certification. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

· What courses are currently available in the Virtual GIS Classroom?

o GIS Programming 101: Mastering Python for Geoprocessing in ArcGIS

o GIS Programming 102: Mastering ArcObjects with VB

o Google Earth Seminar

§ Introduction to Google Earth

§ Mastering KML in Google Earth

§ Creating Dynamic Google Earth Applications with Python

§ Using Arc2Earth with ArcMap and Google Earth

· I would like to schedule a dedicated Virtual GIS Classroom course for my entire organization. Is this possible?

Yes, and we offer a 15% discount for this type of situation. Please contact Eric Pimpler at eric@geospatialtraining.com for more information.

· I would like GeoSpatial Training Services to develop a custom Virtual GIS Classroom course for my organization. Can you do this?

Yes we can. Please contact Eric Pimpler at eric@geospatialtraining.com for more information

· Do you have a minimum and maximum class size?

To foster a healthy, collaborative learning environment with plenty of instructor and fellow learner interaction we keep our classes sizes fairly small. We have a minimum participant level of 4 students and a maximum student count of 10.

· Do I need to have access to ESRI and/or Google software?

Yes, you will need access to ArcGIS Desktop 9.0 or greater. If you do not have access to this software you should be able to obtain an evaluation copy of the software for educational purposes. Google Earth software can be downloaded and installed at no charge (http://earth.google.com)

· Will I be missing the give and take of a conventional classroom setting?

GeoSpatial Training offers a highly personal and interactive learning experience. In fact, many people find their GIS education more interactive and engaging than sitting in a classroom. Everyone participates.

You will interact with your instructor through weekly online discussions, and can contact your instructor via e-mail during the course if needed. Our policy is to return all email within a 24 hour window. Written feedback on assignments is another way that faculty members interact with learners. In addition, you will have two one-on-one phone meetings with your instructor to discuss your progress, address any problems, and obtain feedback on your progress.

Features of E-Learning

• Learning is self-paced and gives students a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary
• Learning is self-directed, allowing students to choose content and tools appropriate to their differing interests, needs, and skill levels
• Accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety of delivery methods geared to different learners; more effective for certain learners
• Designed around the learner
• Geographical barriers are eliminated, opening up broader education options
• 24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows a greater number of people to attend classes
• On-demand access means learning can happen precisely when needed
• Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel, vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminated
• Overall student costs are frequently less (tuition, residence, food, child care)
• Potentially lower costs for companies needing training, and for the providers
• Fosters greater student interaction and collaboration
• Fosters greater student/instructor contact
• Enhances computer and Internet skills
• Draws upon hundreds of years of established pedagogical principles
• Has the attention of every major university in the world, most with their own online degrees, certificates, and individual courses

Benefits of e-Learning

There are many significant advantages for the student who learns online. Here are just a few to consider:

Convenience and Portability

• Courses are accessible on your schedule
• Online learning does not require physical attendance
• Learning is self-paced (not too slow, not too fast)
• You're unbound by time - courses are available 24/7
• You're unbound by place - study at home, work, or on the road
• Read materials online or download them for reading later

Cost and Selection

• Choose from a wide range of courses to meet your needs
• Degree, Vocational, and Certificate programs
• Continuing Education
• Individual courses
• Wide range of prices to fit your budget
• Go back to school to get a degree, learn a new skill, learn a new craft, or just have fun!
• From art to zoology you can do it all online in a price range to fit your budget.

Flexibility

• Online learning accommodates your preferences and needs - it's student-centered
• Choose instructor-led or self-study courses
• Skip over material you already know and focus on topics you'd like to learn
• Use the tools best suited to your learning styles

Higher Retention

• Online learning will draw you to topics you like and enjoy. Studies show that because of this and the variety of delivery methods used to reach different types of learners, retention is frequently better than in a traditional classroom.

Greater Collaboration

• Technology tools make collaboration among students much easier. Since many projects involve collaborative learning, the online environment is far easier (and often more comfortable) to work in since learners don't have to be face-to-face.

Global Opportunities

• The global learning community is at your fingertips with online learning. The technologies used give online instructional designers the ability to build in tools that take you to resources you may never see in a traditional classroom.