Grading

It is very important that students keep up with the pace of course assignments. If, for some reason, you must turn in an assignment late, notify the instructors immediately by email. To pass the class, a final project must be submitted.

Course progress will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Quizzes [10%]:

There will be two in class quizzes throughout the semester. They will be 30 minutes, closed book and topics will be discussed in advance.

Training Certificates [10%]:

To build your skills throughout the semester and to familiarize yourself with Esri’s online training site, you will complete a series of online training modules. Access to the online training site will be provided on the first day of class. You will be expected to complete the courses on your own time and submit the certificates via Canvas.

HOMEWORK assignments [40%]:

Homework will be assigned weekly and will follow the content in the readings and exercises in the Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop version 3 textbook. There are nine homework assignments, but only eight are graded. You can choose to either drop your lowest score, or opt out of one of the assignments. All assignments (unless otherwise specified) should be submitted online via Canvas. All homework assignments must be completed and posted to Canvas by midnight Monday each week.

Mid-term EXAM [20%]:

The mid-term will be a hands-on, in-class practical exam to test how well you can solve problems in GIS based on skills learned in previous classes. You may bring one standard piece of paper containing any information that you think will help you during the exam. You will submit your exam answers and maps via Canvas at the end of the class period.

Final project [20%]:

The final project indicates that you have used your mapping and analysis skills to investigate a planning/policy issue. You will work on your project throughout the semester and submit a final report that includes original maps you have created to analyze the topic of your choice. A final report must be submitted to pass the class.