SPATIAL TECHNOLOGY IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION

The use and teaching of spatial technologies such as GIS, GPS and field methods are a growing part of the community college curriculum. Courses teaching this are often offered under technical degree programs. The opportunity to integrate these technologies into academic and science programs is great. This can lead to strong foundational teaching of students going on to a 4 year degree or to a terminal two-year degree as a scientific technician. Temple College, a community college in Texas, has an innovative GIS program that has introduced spatial technology and analysis into geography, geology, agriculture and earth science courses. The school has developed partnerships with the USDA as a State training center and university research centers and campuses at Texas A&M and Tarleton Universities. Students have gained field experience with data collection, analysis and presentation. This paper presents the College's strategies and successes with courses, community projects and partnerships with State and Federal agencies.