Project objectives

As overall, to improve the possibilities for lifelong learning and continuous vocational training within the field of handling geo and environmental information, thus in the long perspective contributing to support authorities in implementing EU directives. The aim is also to propose a base for pan European recognition of GIS-related vocational training. More analytically to:

• increase knowledge about environmental data handling
• contribute to improved consciousness across Europe
• give various stakeholders access to environmental information
• to develop a training level at the European level but also suitable to a local context
• to contribute to sectoral standards for competence certification (Copenhagen Declaration), thus improving transferability of competencies

GI-Indeed Training: for whom?

• National environmental agencies responsible for implementing legislation
• Local authorities that use geo-information services
• Private companies that requires environmental information for decision making
• Citizens, special interest groups
• Training & education providers

How is the audience addressed

The target audience is both organisations and individuals.
One aim of this project is to develop training components that can be adapted to individual as well as organisational needs (e.g. lectures, exercises, text books, diagnostic tests etc.). Given the subject of the training modules, the trainees will be most probably already employed people and the adoption of e-learning techniques is fundamental to ensure professional up-dating of these people in the context of life-long learning (with in most cases an innovation in the working practices of their institutions)
New training technologies, operational but not widely diffused in the field, are used within the project: this is very important for real diffusion of innovation, in practice and at a scattered local level. To use these resources, the trainee and the trainer only need a web browser and Internet access, strongly reducing licensing problems for data and software.
The trainer can monitor the work of the trainee and provide instant guidance. In addition, conference systems are used for messaging, chatting, blackboard etc.
There are many systems available for e-learning, but most of them address generic needs and are not capable to fit specialised requirements. As a consequence, many sectors find alternative “non-orthodox” solutions, with the drawback of being self contained, therefore hampering dissemination and sharing of contents. This project is expected to develop according with state-of-art e-learning technologies, in a standardised environment, in order to optimise the exploitation of the training materials and, to increase dissemination, to allow the migration to different platforms. In such a way, it is also ensured that the quality of the training is compliant with the state-of-art of remote training methodologies.

Main outcomes

• Survey of training requirements among professionals and training providers
• Training material. Sectoral training courses:
  -  Engineering of environmental web services
  -  Data harmonisation and SDI
  -  Use of SDI for protected areas
  -  Use of SDI for coastal zone management
• Pilot tests of products at training institutes
• Web based course selector

Valorisation

A combined centralised and distributed approach dissemination is planned in the participating countries by the national partners and at international level by the international partners