Abstract
Establishing a Multi-disciplinary GIS Teaching Facility
Track: Teaching with GIS in Higher Education
Author
Tulane University is establishing a multi-disciplinary GIS teaching facility to serve the needs of its research and teaching faculty. The acute need for spatio-temporal displays of affected areas in New Orleans, post Katrina, may explain some of this heightened interest in GIS. A proposal developed by key players in GIS throughout the University was reviewed and funds awarded. A needs assessment showed the interest of faculty, staff, and students in expanding training opportunities in a state-of-the-art computer facility. Faculty and staff were invited to collaborate in the process and share their GIS interests. Challenges in development of such a facility include placement of appropriate space, consideration of software needs for a multi-disciplinary faculty, choice of appropriate equipment, and staffing, all of which require careful negotiation. Completion of the facility is expected in Spring 2010.
Chris Swalm
Tulane University SPHTM
1440 Canal Street
Suite 1800
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
United States
Phone: 5049887397
E-mail: cswalm@tulane.edu
Jeffrey Shaffer
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
1440 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
United States
Phone: 5049887397
E-mail: jshaffer@tulane.edu
Frances Mather
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
1440 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
United States
Phone: 5049887397
E-mail: mather@tulane.edu
Derek Toten
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
1440 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
United States
Phone: 5049887397
E-mail: toten@tulane.edu