Learning by doing: integrating undergraduate research and the remote sensing and GIS curriculum

Literature states the benefits of problem-based learning, hands-on and practice-based learning. The College of Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM), is currently developing, through the Partnership for Spatial and Computational Research (PaSCoR) an innovative curriculum based on this learning pedagogy. The main goal of this 5-year interdisciplinary project is to strengthen academic programs and integrate research in remote sensing and GIS at the undergraduate level in various science, math and engineering/technology (SMET) disciplines. This project follows the strategy of the Learning Factory model implemented previously by the Manufacturing Engineering Education Partnership (MEEP). PaSCoR has been developed focused on the student and his/her learning, with strong emphasis on hands-on learning activities provided throughout the student´s academic career. The program´s outcomes is a graduate that is knowledgeable of the technology and applications of remote sensing (RS) and geographical information Systems (GIS), and, possesses the necessary skills either to enter graduate school or becomes a professional in these areas with success. It also aims at developing values such as diversity, teamwork, global awareness and communication. This paper describes some of the learning by doing strategies and activities that are being integrated into the PaSCoR curriculum at UPRM