Faculty-led Inquiry into Reflective and Scholarly Teaching (FIRST)
UNL Faculty Course Portfolios
Date of this Version
2-2026
Document Type
Portfolio
Abstract
This course portfolio documents the design, implementation, and reflection of NRES218 Introduction to Geospatial Technologies, an introductory undergraduate geographic information system (GIS) course. This course aims to integrate basic and applied sciences to help students develop spatial thinking and spatial analysis skills for proposing spatial science–oriented solutions. Instructional strategies emphasize experiential learning through structured laboratory exercises and outdoor field activities that connects real-world observation with GIS analysis. To support student learning and persistence, the course also incorporated flexible assessment practices, including second-chance exams. Reflection on student engagement and performance revealed that while these strategies were highly beneficial for some students, their impact varied across the class. This portfolio examines both strengths and limitations of these approaches based on student performance patterns and instructional observations. The reflections inform future plans focused on improved scaffolding, formative assessment, and stronger connections between hands-on experiences and spatial data analysis. Together, these reflections position the course as an evolving teaching practice informed by evidence, experience, and ongoing refinement.
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Higher Education Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Remote Sensing Commons, Spatial Science Commons
Comments
Copyright 2026, Ran Wang. Used by permission