by Kaoru Esther Okamoto, Undergraduate at Agnes Scott College
At Agnes Scott College, a liberal arts institution renowned for its dynamic approach to education, the recent GIS Bootcamp marked a significant stride toward integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across diverse academic realms. This initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Jennifer Kovacs, an Associate Biology Professor at the college, during the college’s dedicated Peak Week—a time set aside for Applied Career Experiences (ACEs) designed to equip students with practical skills for the professional world.
Immersive Learning with ArcGIS Online
The five-day bootcamp welcomed eight participants from various majors, none of whom had prior experience with GIS. This diverse group embarked on a journey through the capabilities of ArcGIS Online, leveraging the platform’s extensive tutorials to master digital mapping and spatial analysis. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covered the fundamentals of map design, ethical considerations in data handling, and sophisticated storytelling techniques using ArcGIS StoryMaps.
A Spectrum of Projects
Students eagerly applied their newfound skills in an array of projects that illustrated the versatility of GIS in academic and real-world contexts. One notable project involved the overlay of historical maps from Asian-American literature onto current urban layouts, offering a visual exploration of evolving neighborhoods. Another ambitious endeavor utilized iNaturalist data combined with soil analyses to predict hotspots for periodic cicadas, showcasing GIS’s potential in environmental science.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
A highlight of the bootcamp was the collaborative session with local stakeholders, including the City of Decatur and Agnes Scott’s own Center for Sustainability. These discussions not only provided practical insights into urban planning and community safety but also demonstrated the real-world applications of the students’ projects. This interaction underscored the importance of GIS in fostering community-oriented solutions and sustainability initiatives.
Insights from Dr. Kovacs
In an interview, Dr. Kovacs shared her motivations and reflections on the bootcamp. She emphasized the ease of introducing GIS thanks to modern tools, allowing students to delve into personal and relevant projects quickly. Despite initial challenges related to logistics and technology setup, the positive outcomes were manifold. The involvement of students from all majors led to a rich variety of projects, impressing both faculty and community partners. Dr. Kovacs also highlighted her plans to expand GIS instruction at Agnes Scott, including a new online summer course focused on social and environmental justice applications of GIS, further integrating this powerful tool into the liberal arts curriculum.
A Week of Discovery and Innovation
The GIS Bootcamp at Agnes Scott College was not merely a technical workshop; it was a transformative experience that bridged various disciplines through the lens of digital mapping. By demystifying GIS, the bootcamp empowered students to apply analytical and creative skills to diverse challenges, paving the way for innovative problem-solving in their future careers. The success of this initiative promises exciting developments in how GIS is taught and utilized in liberal arts settings, enhancing the educational landscape at Agnes Scott College and beyond.
Connect with Dr. Kovacs
Website https://jkovacs.agnesscott.org/
Agnes Scott College https://www.agnesscott.edu/directory/faculty/kovacs-jennifer.html
Connect with our blogger
Kaoru Esther Okamoto, Fourth Year Undergraduate at Agnes Scott College
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaoru-esther-okamoto-3989881bb
Email: okamoto727@agnesscott.edu
Integrative and Comparative Biology 