Years ago, I had called my blog Ernest Blair Experiment. Ernest for Ernest Buckler. Blair for Eric Blair aka George Orwell. Now I am conducting an experiment (see also an early post We Are All Geographers).
In order to understand the changes in GIS technology, I asked David Maclean if I could sit in on his Fundamentals of GIS (FunGIS) class, offered at 8:30 am on Wednesday mornings — not to become proficient in the latest technology but rather to appreciate the learning environment. The session this morning introduced me to some of the new materials from ESRI. For example, Briefings – how – to – info.
My plan is to attend every Wednesday morning class. Today, there were eighteen students; each working with two computer screens.
My intention is not to disturb the learning process. Instead to understand the technology, and how it can be applied to current geographic problems in society.
My hope is to attend COGS on a regular basis, on Wednesdays, attend the FunGIS class and watch the learning process with my new cohorts.
In my mind, this is an experiment. Can a retired faculty member/educator still make a contribution across the generations?
From the Reader, Community Spaghetti Dinner at COGS Thursday, October 26 5-6:30 pm. Adults $10.
Acknowledgements
Thank you, David Maclean for facilitating my experiment / learning opportunity. From Jennifer at the COGS Bookstore, I learned that there is a knitting session at the cafeteria on Wednesday at 11:30 am. Heather has gone to check it out today.
Reference
Briefings in ArcGIS StoryMaps.
POSTSCRIPT
Here is an entertaining read of COGS’ First Semester Overview Fundamentals of GIS for non-Geomatics Grads by Liam Gowan, as posted with ESRI Canada Centres of Excellence.
Ernest Blair Experiment 