Learn Basic Mapping Skills That Apply To Any Workplace
Apply online instruction to “real-world” problems while gaining valuable Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills! The Maine Geospatial Institute, in collaboration with the University of Maine System Micro-Credential Initiative, is offering this professional development opportunity to learners from any discipline who would like to understand cutting-edge technology and tools – and use them, too! No prior GIS experience is required.
- Fully online
- Instructor-supported
- At your own pace
The MGI Intro to GIS Mapping course will be available starting Feb. 18, 2025 – but you can join anytime before the course closes on June 30, 2025.
Register here – link will go live Feb. 18
The self-paced lessons include:
- Level I – Basic Map Skills
- Level II – Create & Access Map Data
- Level III – Geospatial Project
As you complete each level, you will be awarded a digital badge to showcase your escalating competency in this cutting-edge skill set. The first 2 levels culminate in a quiz and hands-on skills assignment, and the third level consists of an open-ended project. Hands-on assignments are completed on the ESRI ArcGIS platform. There are 7 videos that provide 3 hours of content to support learners. We estimate that the micro-credential will take 9 or 10 hours to complete.
Set your own pace, get instructor feedback on assignments, it’s all online!
$100: video modules, software access, instructor support
Testimonials:
“I found this course to be information packed, thought provoking, and enjoyable. I think that if I came to this course with absolutely no GIS experience I would leave with a solid foundation, the skills to make maps right away, and a strong desire to learn more.”
“I enjoyed the projects because I learn by doing and I think following along to the videos and then trying it on my own with the projects helped nail down the skills.”
“The most useful part of the course was the mapping assignments. Going in and actually creating the maps is when I learned the most!”
“The instructional videos were very well crafted and thorough.”
“I liked that I could go at my own pace and rewind if I missed something. The instructors were also very responsive when I reached out.”
“I am really glad to have gotten to expand my GIS knowledge (which was very little) and this course was a great place to start.”
What are Micro-Credentials?
Micro-credentials are digital badges that showcase your competency in a particular skill or set of skills. They confirm to employers, hiring managers, or recruiters that you are proficient in the listed skills and have demonstrated those skills in a professional environment. The University of Maine System created a framework for micro-credentials to maintain standards of achievement and ensure the value of the micro-credentials to learners and potential employers.
What are UMS micro-credential pathways?
As you progress along your micro-credential path you will receive milestone badges:
The University of Maine System’s (UMS) Micro-Credential Initiative supports the development and implementation of micro-credentials across the system’s seven universities and school of law. UMS micro-credentials are made up of digital badges that highlight the earner’s competencies in skills needed for today’s workforce. They are offered to UMS students, youth, and as professional development opportunities for individuals in the workforce to advance or increase their employability. Micro-credentials earned through the University of Maine System are verified, evidence-based, and shareable.
For further information about the UMS Micro-Credential Initiative, visit the website or email ums.mc@maine.edu. A full catalog of all UMS Micro-Credentials (External Site) is found on the badging platform.