Spatial data infrastructure as learning environments for spatial skills development in engineering education

Resumen

47International Conference on Engineering Education 2012 – Abstract Book Turku Finland, July 30 – August 3, 201252SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE AS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR SPATIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION Carbonell Carrera Carlos1 & Saorín Pérez Jose Luis21 University of La Laguna, ccarbone@ull.es2 University of La Laguna, jlsaorin@ull.esThe development of teaching methods adapted to the new European Higher Education Area requires a review and updating of content and learning methodologies. In this sense, our work addresses the task of studying a learning environment based on new Information Technology and Communication in the geographic area: the INSPIRE geoportal (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe). It offers to users the chance of free online access to all geographic data and geographic information from the several state members’ organizations. According this standard, each state develops their own spatial data infrastructure (SDI) portals, within their territory and all its regions. A spatial data infrastructure is a geographic information system consisting of a set of resources dedicated to management of Geographic Information (maps, orthophotos, satellite images, location names, thematic information...) available on the Internet. The cartography, maps and street plan are an activity field where spatial orientation abilities are used [1]. Institutions like the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics contemplate among their aims the development of spatial orientation as one of the sources for describing and modeling the physical world. The aim of this research was determining, using a workshop with engineering students, whether the new geographic information technologies develop spatial abilities (spatial orientation) included as teaching objectives in the new European Space for Higher Education Engineering Degrees and analyze their usability through parameters of efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction