[OSGeo Africa] 2013 GIS short courses through Continued Education at University of Pretoria

[Gavin Fleming]

Good comment Chris

These UP courses focus on the theory and practice of GIS, not on a 
particular brand of software.

So while an ESRI course might cover some theory, it is mainly about how 
to use ESRI software.

An ESRI certification means something to an employer wanting an ESRI 
software expert.

The international QGIS community is developing a similar type of 
certification for QGIS. So for employers who ask for a 'QGIS expert', 
one would show a QGIS certificate.

A UP or equivalent 'academic' certificate means something to an employer 
wanting a GIS expert, or expertise in a specific GIS field.

For instance, an employer asks for a 'spatial database expert' - you 
show them the 'academic' course certificate. It shows you've covered the 
generic theory and application of spatial databases. The course just 
happens to have used PostGIS for the sake of practical software to use 
in the course and because FOSS leaves your options open (and because a 
university should be brand-neutral).

For training towards professional registration, a 'generic, academic' 
course is likely to tick more of the accreditation boxes, since the 
profession is about the theory and practice, not the software.

Gavin

On 20/11/2012 12:45, Chris wrote:
>      Just had a chance to look at these now
>
>      Really looks good
>
>      I did have a question though ( not intended to become a bun fight but
>      really asking for some informed opinion )
>
>      I notice that the UP courses are going to set the budget back a bit
>      ( OK -- education is an investment and the courses are within the ball
>      park for this type of educational program )
>
>      However .........
>
>      ESRI now have their own certification program.
>
>      One can attend ESRI courses ( not inexpensive )
>      or
>      One can obtain the recommended course material for self-study and then
>      just go and sit the exam. ( about the most cost effective method of
>      getting a GIS certification ? ) ESRI have extensive free online help.
>
>      Perhaps someone could explain the relative "weights"  each type of
>      certification would hold in the work place ?  I assume ESRi being ESRI
>      this would be a globally recognised certification ?
>
>      Your thoughts appreciated
>
>
>      CM
>
>
>
>
> On 16 Nov 2012 at 17:24, Coetzee Serena wrote:
>
>> 2013 GIS short courses through Continued Education at University of
>> Pretoria (www.ceatup.com)
>> ================================================
>   
>> 1. Certificate Course in Introductory Geographic Information Systems
>> February - June 2013 Web-based with workshops in Pretoria (proprietary
>> and open source) and Cape Town (open source only)
>   
>> 2. Certificate Course in Advanced Geographic Information Systems
>> February - October 2013
>> Web-based learning with workshops in Pretoria
>   
>> 3. GIS Professional Practice
>> February - June 2013
>> Distance learning with workshops in Pretoria
>   
>> 4. Introduction to Geoinformation Standards
>> 15 - 16 July 2013 in Pretoria
>   
>> 5. Spatial databases with PostGIS
>> 25 - 29 March 2013 in Pretoria
>   
>> 6. Introduction to Quantum GIS (on request)
>> 7. Remote Sensing (on request)
>> 8. The Basics of GIS (on request)
>   
>> For more information, visit www.up.ac.za/cgis, click on 'Professional
>> development' or
>> http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=16147&subid=16147&ipklooki
>> d=11
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-- 
Gavin Fleming
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