Using connectivism for the instructional design in a GNSS course

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are one of the cores in geospatial technologies. In order to respond to the needs of geospatial professionals, many university departments in Taiwan have provided undergraduate GNSS courses. The introductory courses of GNSS usually focus on the understanding of basic principles and the training of hardware and software operating skills. In view of the future employment markets for key competence needs, the introductory courses need to be extend from training skills to developing competencies. In this study, we adopted a new learning theory “Connectivism” for instructional design. To achieve the goal of developing competencies, we proposed a teaching strategy by strengthening the connections among “human-device,” “human-human” and “human-environment” in the learning environment. The research results showed that the application of connectivism could improve students’ scientific competencies in “professional knowledge” and “professional skills,” but more advanced inquiry-based courses were required to develop “scientific attitude.” Moreover, the “human-environment” connection that geography emphasizes could drive deeper and broader “human-device” and “human-human” connections. It improved the effectiveness of developing competencies.