TwiST Workshop
Tracks
The TwiST workshop provides an opportunity for individuals with a range of backgrounds
to get started with GIS, GPS and remote sensing or to further advance their skills
by offering two different tracks; and Introductory and an Advanced. TwiST even has
a special session dedicated specifically for students; the GIS Summer Camp. Both
the Introductory and Advanced tracks provide an environment for participants to
learn about these technologies while supporting individuals to explore new possibilities
for using GIS, GPS and remote sensing-based activities in the classroom.
Across the country and the world more educators are using GIS, GPS and remote sensing
to enhance their teaching. At TwiST we feel that it is important that attendees have a support network once they return to their schools. We encourage participants
to apply with others from their school or district, but realize that this isn�t
always possible. At TwiST educators will be able to connect with other participants
from different schools who are in attendance as well as past participants. Participants
are also exposed to the large and constantly-growing GIS Education Community that
contains novices to experts from across the world.
In previous years, funding has been provided for teachers, community members and
students to participate as a team to learn the technologies. This is still an important
component and while it is not required, participants who are interested in learning
about geospatial technologies through service learning approach and would like to
attend as a team (teacher, community member and student) should inquire about more
information.
After applying, you will be contacted
by email (within one week of applying) indicating whether or not your application
has been accepted. Those who are accepted will be provided with details
for completing the registration process.
Introductory
While many participants in the introductory track are from New York State, it is open to teachers from all across the world. The track provides an introduction to GIS, GPS and remote sensing. Participants learn how to use the technologies through hands-on activities that involve a number of geospatial applications such as ESRI ArcMap, Google Earth, and different web-based geospatial resources. One of the components of this track exposes participants to how these technologies can be used in the classroom as part of experiential and service learning activities through a mini service learning project identified for the workshop. This mini project involves participants going out into the field to collect data that they will then bring back to examine in the lab in a similar way that would work for a student activity. In addition to learning the technologies, educators will be exposed and have the opportunity to work through geospatial lessons that have already been used in classroom settings.
Advanced
The advanced track is intended for participants who are returning or have some experience with GIS, GPS and remote sensing technologies. This track includes refresher lessons that provide a quick overview of key concepts. In the Advanced track, participants are provided the opportunity to expand upon their existing knowledge by learning more advanced applications of GIS, GPS and remote sensing. Participants are encouraged to come with project ideas and GIT questions to help shape the materials learned.
Similar to the Introductory track, the Advanced track will explore geospatial concepts through an experiential and service learning activity through a mini service learning project. Participant will venture out into the field under guidance to collect data that will be use back in the lab to explore a more advanced GIS concept.
Student
The student track is designed for middle and high school students who want to learn about GIS, GPS, remote sensing technologies and other web-based resources. Students will learn the technologies through hands-on experience and various activities. The track itself is developed around a project that all participants will complete together. This will involve a field exercise where students go out and collect GPS points and other information to analyze back in the lab utilizing GIS. The project students work on is identified by the community and the results of the completed project are returned back to help to community organization.