-------- Original Message --------
Subject: GIS Literacy vs. Geospatial Literacy
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 09:47:30 -0500 (CDT)
From: Linda R Zellmer <[log in to unmask]>
To: Air Photo Maps, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship
<[log in to unmask]>
Hello,
Odd that this came up today, as I received information on the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) competency model initiative for geospatial technologies earlier this week. The following was all taken from a worforceone.org web site announcement:
The ETA is supposed to "identify core competencies - academic, workplace, and technical - that every worker in a selected industry needs to know and be able to do. Through this initiative, ETA is supporting the development of a model in geospatial technology and has put the following steps in place to validate this model:
1. In 2009, ETA developed a draft geospatial technology competency model by researching and analyzing publicly available resources, existing skill standards, competency-based curricula, and certifications to develop a dynamic framework of foundational and technical competencies for entry-level workers.
2. ETA conducted a Webinar on February 3, 2010, to introduce the draft geospatial technology model to ensure that the competencies meet the skill needs of the industries they are intended to serve.
3. Working closely with the GeoTech Center – a government, academic, and industry partnership funded, in part, by a grant from the National Science Foundation - a workshop was conducted on March 11-12, 2010, to review and modify the draft competency model.
4. A revised version of the model based on feedback from the March workshop – as well as the recording, presentation, and transcripts of the introductory Webinar – are available now at: http://www.workforce3one.org/view/5001001347919999153/info
5. In May 2010, comments on the revised competency model will be aggregated and edits will be made to produce a final competency model.
6. A finished document will be published at the Competency Model Clearinghouse located at: http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/
The draft Geospatial Technology Competency Model has been developed by researching and analyzing these publicly available resources. The intent is to develop a dynamic framework of foundational and technical competencies for entry-level workers. The model must be industry-driven to ensure that the competencies meet the skill needs of the industry. ETA conducts initial research and analysis, drafts a mock-up of the model, and then turns to industry for feedback and input to refine and expand the model.
When complete, the Geospatial technology Competency Model can be utilized to:
1. Give education and training providers an industry driven framework for preparing workers with 21st century skills in high growth sectors of the economy;
2. Inform federal investments in education and training activities;
3. Promote portability of credentials; and
4. Prevent future duplication of effort by sharing research and information through a database of existing and newly developed competency-based resources.
In addition, the model is intended to provide a common language to inform discussion among industry leaders, educators, economic developers and public workforce investment professionals as they collaborate to:
* Identify specific employer needs
* Develop and evaluate geospatial technology curricula and training models
* Develop position descriptions and hiring criteria
* Develop industry defined performance indicators and skill standards
* Provide a basis for development of foundational, cross-industry certifications
* Develop assessment and testing instruments
* Provide guidance for government investments in workforce preparation strategies in geospatial technology.
Linda Zellmer
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Linda Zellmer
Government Information & Data Services Librarian
415 Malpass Library
Macomb, IL 61455
[log in to unmask]
Phone: 309-298-2723
Fax: 309-298-2791
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