A discussion with Ben McGrae (Learning Technology Developer - CIE) about the new update to VITAL.

VITAL Upgrade August 2018

Research connected teaching

These tools are used by the academic community for rapid satellite image analysis and produce research standard data. The accessible nature of the tools means that they are able to undertake similar analysis by removing traditional barriers to entry that normally make teaching this topic in universities highly problematic (for example things like limited university bandwidth, unavailability of educational licenses for specialist software, university firewall restrictions for large downloads and also limited student hard drive space). This enables students at all levels to directly engage with research level practices without these barriers to entry.

Active learning

The very nature of the tools encourages students to explore environmental changes occurring anywhere on the planet over the last 40 years. They are responsible for defining how imagery is visualised, the type of imagery they wish to visualise, and also the generation of data from these images. As such, they are able to see for themselves and lead the identification of processes that are actually described to them in lectures.

Authentic Assessment

Satellite imagery is used regularly across the environmental science sector, and understanding how these images are processed provides invaluable skills for students. The use of cloud computing resources for rapid satellite image analysis is set to increase dramatically in this sector in the near future, and these tools provide students with direct experience of what can be achieved using these approaches.

Confidence

The flexibility and ease of use of these tools allow students to undertake otherwise prohibitive levels of analysis in seconds. The tools allow them to explore satellite imagery and create data at rates that even established researchers would be previously be unable to achieve.

Digital fluency

The tools utilise cloud computing resources in a highly accessible way, even allowing students who lack any formal coding training to engage directly with this technology. The code for the tool is also viewable, and commented allowing students to see how the tool has been constructed. Students are also encouraged to alter parameters in the code to allow data to be visualised in ways that are more fitting for their purposes.

Global citizenship

The tools allow satellite imagery for any point on the planet to be explored rapidly and with ease. Students using the tools often regularly “procrastinate” by exploring particular locations around the globe that are of interest to them to see how these environments have changed. This often includes topical events such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and wild fires. This improves students’ awareness of the world around them and the impacts that such events can have on the planet.

Creating researchers of the future using freely accesible tools - Extra Resource by James Lea

Supporting staff to enhance student education and engagement through innovation.

Centre for Innovation in Education - UoL