DUx: University College: Digital Earth from edX

This comprehensive course offers an in-depth exploration of geotechnologies and their role in addressing social and ecological challenges. Geotechnologies encompass a wide array of tools and techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing through imagery from drones, aircraft, and satellites, and precise positioning using GPS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

Structured around a rich blend of academic readings, instructional videos, and practical exercises, the curriculum delves into various social and environmental topics across multiple scales. Participants will acquire a thorough understanding of cutting-edge mapping tools and techniques. This includes learning about map projections, the art and science of map symbology, the principles of classification, and sophisticated spatial analysis methods.

A significant focus of the course is on experiential learning. You will have the opportunity to develop your web mapping applications, including interactive dashboards and multimedia story maps. Moreover, the program emphasizes fieldwork, allowing you to gather and integrate your field data into mapping projects.

By the end of the course, you will have honed your skills in utilizing maps as powerful analytical instruments. This expertise will not only enhance your ability to interpret and present data effectively but also empower you to contribute to creating a brighter, more sustainable, and resilient future. The course is designed to instill confidence and proficiency in using geotechnologies, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and to advocate for meaningful change in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Articulate the relationship between maps and geotechnologies, what geotechnologies are, and why they are relevant to 21st-century issues and decision-making.
Explain and illustrate how maps are not simply reference documents but are analytical tools.
Explain how maps help us to understand how things are and plan how things ought to be in the future (that is, for planning a more resilient, equitable, sustainable future).
Describe the main types of maps, understand map scale, map projections, and selected map elements (legends, orientation, source).
Describe the major societal implications of geographic information and why they matter; that is, how society influences mapping and how mapping influences society.

Create maps from spreadsheets and existing geographic information.
Symbolize point, line, area, and image information on maps and classify information using various methods.
Filter, generalize, and select geographic information on maps.
Create a web map from a field survey.
Understand the major types of web mapping applications and communication methods: dashboards, infographics, instant apps, and story maps.

Articulate the relationship between maps and geotechnologies, what geotechnologies are, and why they are relevant to 21st-century issues and decision-making.
Explain and illustrate how maps are not simply reference documents but are analytical tools.
Explain how maps help us to understand how things are and plan how things ought to be in the future (that is, for planning a more resilient, equitable, sustainable future).
Describe the main types of maps, understand map scale, map projections, and selected map elements (legends, orientation, source).
Describe the major societal implications of geographic information and why they matter; that is, how society influences mapping and how mapping influences society.
Create maps from spreadsheets and existing geographic information.
Symbolize point, line, area, and image information on maps and classify information using various methods.
Filter, generalize, and select geographic information on maps.
Create a web map from a field survey.
Understand the major types of web mapping applications and communication methods: dashboards, infographics, instant apps, and story maps.

Syllabus

This 10-Module course, designed for both audit and verified tracks, offers a comprehensive online, asynchronous learning experience.

Each module includes:

Learning Segment ( Approx. 2.5 hours ): Engaging readings and multimedia materials.

Reflective Phase ( 3 hours for verified track, 3.5 hours for audit track ): Activities and reflection questions to deepen understanding and link concepts from the learning materials.

Exclusive for Verified Track ( 30 minutes ): Graded tasks to enhance learning engagement.

Overall, each module takes around 6 hours of commitment, regardless of the track. The core content remains consistent across both tracks, with variations in engagement methods.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Addresses the intersection of geotechnologies and social and ecological challenges, making it relevant to students interested in sustainability and community development

Provides a blend of academic theory, instructional videos, and practical exercises, offering a well-rounded learning experience

Covers a wide range of geotechnologies, including GIS, remote sensing, and GPS, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field

Focuses on experiential learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world projects

Develops skills in creating web mapping applications and multimedia story maps, enhancing communication and storytelling abilities

Taught by experienced instructors Joseph Kerski and Steven Hick, recognized for their expertise in geotechnologies

Career center

Learners who complete DUx: University College: Digital Earth will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts use software to collect, analyze, and display geographic data. They use this data to create maps and other visual representations that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as planning, resource management, and disaster response. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a GIS Analyst because it provides a comprehensive overview of GIS software and its applications. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. They use a variety of software and techniques to create maps that are both accurate and visually appealing. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Cartographer because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of cartography. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to create high-quality maps.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They use a variety of data and techniques to create plans that are both sustainable and equitable. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become an Urban Planner because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of urban planning. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to create effective plans.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the natural environment and the impact of human activities on the environment. They use a variety of data and techniques to assess the health of the environment and to develop plans to protect it. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become an Environmental Scientist because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of environmental science. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop effective plans.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and the human and natural processes that shape it. They use a variety of data and techniques to understand the Earth's physical and human geography. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Geographer because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of geography. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop effective plans.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. They use a variety of software and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. This course would be helpful for someone who wants to become a Data Analyst because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of data analysis. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use a variety of programming languages and techniques to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Software Developer because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of software development. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They use a variety of programming languages and techniques to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Web Developer because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of web development. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and maintain databases. They use a variety of software and techniques to ensure that databases are efficient and reliable. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Database Administrator because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of database administration. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They use a variety of tools and techniques to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Project Manager because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of project management. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They use a variety of tools and techniques to gather and interpret data, and to develop recommendations for improvement. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Business Analyst because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of business analysis. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers conduct research to understand market trends and consumer behavior. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and interpret data, and to develop recommendations for marketing campaigns. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Market Researcher because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of market research. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. They use a variety of writing styles and techniques to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Technical Writer because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of technical writing. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers design and develop educational materials and programs. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create materials that are effective and engaging. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an Instructional Designer because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. They use a variety of tools and techniques to organize and catalog materials, and to ensure that they are accessible to researchers. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to become an Archivist because it provides a strong foundation in the principles of archival science. The course also includes hands-on exercises that will help students develop the skills they need to succeed in this role.

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