Small EL: Collaborative Mapping and Spatial Reasoning

Students use geospatial technologies to practice mapping and spatial analysis

Faculty

Faculty of Arts

Course title

GEOG 280: Geospatial Project Management

Class size

Large (75+)

Year of program

1st year course

During this Small EL activity, students participate in collaborative in-class engagement (ICE) assignments that encourage discussion and problem-solving while learning geospatial technologies and practices. Developed to create more meaningful engagement during lectures, the activity has students work in small groups to examine how maps represent, create, and recreate places and spaces. Students apply industry-standard mapping software to investigate a real-world problem and complete basic mapping and analytical tasks. Through collaboration and guided reflection, the activity strengthens students' understanding of geospatial concepts while connecting theoretical knowledge to authentic applications.

Activity Setting: Classroom
Time for activity: 1-2 hours in class
Assessment Approach: Graded
Assessment Type: In-class discussion
Weight in Final Grade: 5% per ICE assignment

Learning outcomes

Students describe geospatial technologies and practices.
Students consider how maps represent, create and recreate places and spaces.
Students create an applied mapping project to explore a real‑world problem.
Students apply industry‑standard software to perform basic mapping and analytical tasks.

Course description

Capstone course applying the broad methodological training from GIS, remote sensing, cartography, qualitative and quantitative methods. Collaborative research and project management is stressed.

This is a course description from the UCalgary Academic Calendar.

What worked well?

The group discussion worked well and encouraged active participation.

What challenges did you encounter?

The instructor needed to create an alternative assignment for students who could not attend.

Format for reflection: Written reflection
Graded: Yes

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