Webinars

Webinar: Geospatial Education – Multiple Pathways for Success; Surveying the Community College Educational Landscape

From the entry-level to life-long learning, GIS professionals have questions about how to optimize their careers and always be as well-equipped as possible. This webinar, part of Penn State’s Inside Geospatial Education and Research Webinar Series, takes a look at the GeoTech Center and how it is supporting geo-education, specifically at the community college level.

Today, with rapidly evolving and emerging technology, the workforce must continue to retool to meet the changing demands of industry.  Career change may be necessary, as one occupation becomes obsolete and others are expanding. Community colleges can be one place to acquire the skills and competencies needed for the geospatial industry.

The GeoTech Center – a NSF funded Center of Excellence – is working with educators, the Department of Labor and industry to align curricula to an industry standard so that students coming to a college for geospatial education have programs that help build their geospatial skills and competencies. The GeoTech Center's associate director, Ann Johnson, will describe these efforts.

During the webinar, we'll look at the offerings of Del Mar Community College, located in Corpus Christi, Texas. The program offers three certificates designed for post-baccalaureate graduates or mid-career adults, as well as an associate degree in GIS designed for a full-time learner. Dr. Phillip Davis, professor of Computer Science, will describe the program and the different needs it addresses.

Following, our speakers will answer questions and discuss what prospective students should consider when deciding what setting is appropriate for their educational needs.

Who should attend

This webinar is intended for those interested in considering their own education needs, or for those who might be influencing the decisions of others, from managers to educators to those involved in the lives of young people.