GIS Education Continues to Grow |
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After completing a successful first year, the
University of Qatar's Technology Department is set to begin
another year with an even larger audience. The first batch
of male students and a new group of ladies joined the new
semester at the University.
"All seven of the ladies who successfully completed the first year have returned for the second year and this is great news," says Professor Steven Rose, GIS Co-ordinator of the GIS program at the University.
This year there is a full group of 16 men as well as an overwhelming group of 23 ladies. In addition, a course on the 'Introduction to GIS' is being offered to all 70 (two groups of men and two groups of ladies) first semester Computer Programming students.
"The course is tough but we are really enjoying it," comments Hamda Al Kuwari, a second year GIS student at the University.
Nawal Al Obeidly, Amna Al Kuwari, Aisha Yackoub and Hassa Mubarak are also in their second year at the University. They all agree that "the theory is tough but going out to the field (practical) makes us understand GIS better."
"GIS affects the daily lives of all of us, those who use it as well as those who benefit from it," remarks Al Obeidly.
All the students would like to further their studies in the field of GIS. "Knowing and understanding the technology will enable us to increase its awareness among the general public and show them its advantages," adds Yackoub.
Meanwhile, the Human Resourses Division (HRD) of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (MMAA) has organised various courses to be undertaken at the University of Qatar for some of its staff. After sitting for entrance exams, a total number of 96 staff members were selected to take the two and half year Diploma Courses in different departments.
According to the head of HRD Ismael Ibrahim Shahbeck, "the division, in conjunction with the University's Faculty of Technology will be offering10 Diploma courses including GIS. Our main target is the High school graduates mainly Qataris working in the Ministry and would like to further their studies. Four members have been chosen to join the GIS course."
These courses are also aimed at developing individuals' technological know how in their respective fields. They courses are being held at the university in the afternoons to avoid colliding with the morning working hours.