Their course includes tutorials based upon the development approach. At the outset, students receive data sets and detailed instructions on how to use GIS software to solve real-world problems. Students use the GIS software to follow the instructions, then publish illustrated reports in their on-line portfolios to demonstrate that they have completed the assignment. As course progress, tutorials include less and less detail. By end of the courses, assignments contain problem statements, data and only a minimum of instructions.
Instructors review and comment upon the same.
Finally, students enact their own workflow, complete the assigned task and publish their results in their portfolios. In this way, students learn how to use GIS to solve problems, not just how to operate software. By requiring students to take responsibility for their own learning, educators can transform distance from a disadvantage into an advantage. The distance learning programmes includes teaching and research of geographic information science at Curtin University, Australia that has developed over the last decade as undergraduate and graduate programmes. Web-based education programme includes study plan, study guide and content practical sessions and assignments, study materials, online grades etc.