Introduction to GIS

What is a "Hybrid" course?

"Hybrid" is the name commonly used to describe courses that combine traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with online computer-based learning. ACC Hybrid courses combine the best of two worlds, engaging students in the active, autonomous learning process of an Internet-based PCM course, while also providing regularly scheduled interaction with the course instructor.

Hybrid courses offer a number of advantages over face-to-face teaching and online-only courses, including increased student learning and retention rates. The flexibility of the Hybrid format allows students to enjoy the convenience of scheduling courses to better fit their busy lives, and benefit from the self-directed learning activities, advancing their time management, critical-thinking, and technical skills.

In Fall 2011, this section of Introduction to GIS will be taught as a 16-week Classroom Hybrid course. Students meet with the instructor on campus for 3 hours once per week for the lecture portion of the class; the remainder of the coursework is completed independently. You will complete the lab work independently using your own computer and the ArcGIS software that will be provided to you.

Technology Requirements for the Hybrid course

If you have signed up for or are considering taking this hybrid course, click here for the Technology Requirements

What is GIS?
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing features and events that occur in the real world. "GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps." (ESRI, 2000)

For whom is this course designed?
This course is designed for the student who wants to learn how to use GIS as a tool in a variety of disciplines, but has little or no background in GIS. There are no prerequisites for this class, although it is recommended that the student be familiar with computers and Windows file structure.

What will be covered in this course?
This course introduces the student to the basic principles and techniques of GIS. We will emphasize GIS data collection, entry, storage, manipulation, and output. We will also cover issues to be considered when using GIS such as scale, projection, coordinate systems, metadata, and legal concerns.

What about the lab?
The lab will give you valuable hands-on experience using ESRI's latest version of ArcGIS (v10). ArcGIS is the most commonly used GIS applications on the market today.