Developing remote sensing and GIS hands-on modules to support UN-affiliated education programmes

摘要

Implementing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) education programmes by the UN-affiliated regional centres for space science and technology in developing nations poses challenges because of the imbalance between industrialized and developing nations in the number of experts able to cover the topics defined by the core curriculum. This scenario creates a window of opportunity for developing instructional materials using information technologies to support local experts in teaching these topics. The goal behind teaching remote sensing and GIS should focus on providing scholars with the skills and capacity to allow them to engage in active work after they complete the UN programme. One of the most effective ways of learning process associated with technical skills is through the problem-solving exercises of Problem-Based Learning. A multi-layered decision-making module that provides feedback and allows multiple final solutions is proposed. Module development and implementation includes an initial stage focusing on assessing UN-affiliated regional centres RS/GIS application interest areas and cultural framework and a second phase dedicated to converting the various materials developed in English to the other five UN official languages.