GeoTech CENTER – SUPPORTING COMMUNITY COLLEGE GEOSPATIAL PROGRAMS

Geospatial technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing and Imagery and Mobile Technologies, are becoming more important in education. This is particularly true for disciplines related to geology and Earth science. Spatial and temporal location are important for understanding processes and concepts in Earth Science. The GeoTech Center is a National Science Foundation Geospatial Technology Center of Excellence four year, $5 Million grant to help two year colleges develop, expand and improve geospatial education for the workforce. Part of the work of the Center has been on identifying the skills and competencies needed by the workforce related to GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing & Imagery and has collaborated with the Department of Labor on an approved Geospatial Technology Competency Model. The data to use in these technologies are now easily available to educators, but educational resources at the two-year college level are not as readily accessible. The Center is providing a one-stop clearing house of these resources. Other work by the Center includes creating an awareness of the use and application of the technologies for many different disciplines and a Department of Labor approved Geospatial Technology Competency Model that helps identify the skills and competencies needed for works in geospatial occupations. This presentation will cover the important resources available to educators through the GeoTech Center and suggest how they may be used in geology and Earth science.