Abstract
A Geodesign Exercise: First Experiences
Track: User Presentations - Teaching
Authors: Michael DeMers
This talk describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an extra-credit geodesign exercise as part of a traditional GIS course. The exercise employed ArcGIS 10.0 which does not have the geodesign toolkit included. It uses a grading rubric linked explicitly to the Stenitz Model of Landscape Change and focuses on the development of critical thinking and spatial skills. Prior to the exercise, the students have weeks of discussion questions related to the study area and its planning. Early results indicate that students who choose to do this exercise embrace it and demonstrate some impressive integrative and expository skills. Anecdotally they expressed enthusiasm over the exercise. The limitations of the exercise are mostly related to the skill sets and background of the students. The discussions leading up to the exercise might need to be more focused on the design project itself. Future versions will employ ArcGIS 10.1 geodesign tools.