By Dr. Shahabuddin Amerudin
GIS Training Camp 2 (SBEG3542) is an important course for students pursuing the Bachelor Degree of Science in Geoinformatics with Honours program at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The course provides students with an opportunity to learn and apply Geographic Information System (GIS) concepts and techniques to a real-world project. This project allows students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. As the course progresses for 3 weeks in the end of Semester 1, Session 2022/3023, it is important to evaluate its effectiveness in achieving its objectives and identify areas for improvement. In this article, we will review the feedback and suggestions from the students who have completed the first half of the course.
Out of the 50 students who were included in the course evaluation survey, only 40 students provided their response. The students were asked to rate their satisfaction with various aspects of the course using a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “very satisfied” and 5 being “very dissatisfied.” The survey questions focused on the overall satisfaction with the course, the pace of the course, the effectiveness of the course materials, the support provided by the instructors and supervisors, the helpfulness of the stakeholders, and the difficulty level of the GIS project assigned in the course.
The results of the survey revealed that the students were generally satisfied with the course, with an average rating of 2.5 for the overall satisfaction with the course. However, some students felt that the pace of the course was too fast, with an average rating of 3.1. The students also felt that the course materials were effective in helping them understand the concepts and techniques necessary for the GIS project, with an average rating of 2.3. The support provided by the instructors and supervisors was rated as helpful, with an average rating of 2.3 and 2.2, respectively. The stakeholders were also rated as helpful, with an average rating of 3.0. The students found the GIS project to be challenging, with an average rating of 3.2.
In addition to the survey responses, students also provided feedback and suggestions for improvement. One common suggestion was to extend the period of the GIS Training Camp 2 because students were facing time issues in completing the project. Some students suggested reducing the number of lectures and avoiding conducting the camp during the semester break. Others suggested providing more briefing on each part of the project to enhance understanding.
Several students also suggested that there should be a backup plan for collecting data in case students were unable to obtain the necessary data from stakeholders. Additionally, some students suggested that the labs should be open for longer hours, without any gaps. This would provide students with more time to work on their project and seek guidance from instructors and supervisors.
Another suggestion was to present one or two completed GIS projects from students as a reference for the project. This would help students to better understand the requirements of the project and avoid any misunderstandings.
Finally, some students suggested that the course coordinator and instructors should communicate more effectively with each other to ensure that all students receive consistent instructions and explanations about the GIS project.
In conclusion, the feedback and suggestions provided by the students offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the GIS Training Camp 2 course. The course coordinator and instructors should take into account these suggestions and make necessary adjustments to improve the course. With continuous evaluation and improvement, the GIS Training Camp 2 course can provide students with a valuable learning experience and prepare them for successful careers in the field of Geoinformation.
Citation:
Amerudin. S (2023). Insights from Students: Mid-Course Evaluation of GIS Training Camp 2. Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6047 (Accessed: 14 March 2023).