Global Positions, LLC.   Training. 

CLASS SCHEDULE

For more information, please contact  Jere Folgert at (406) 580-1314  or Montana State University Billings at (406) 657-2203 



  Video-Based Training for ArcGIS (r) Desktop

 

Global Positions, LLC. has provided professional training and customized courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including the ArcView GIS Software by  ESRI.  Currently, we are not teaching classes at this time.

Our Senior GIS Professional has a Masters Degree in GIS, is  a Member of the General Council at the University of Edinburgh, Great Britain and has provided GIS training to personnel at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Prentice Hall Publishing, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,  USDA NRCS, Adventure Travel Company, United Parcel Service, University Professors, private industry, many state and county governments and the National Weather Service.  

    COMMENTS FROM A FEW STUDENTS:

  • "Excellent Teacher and well done..."

              Mari Jaynes, Montana State University

  • "Very well presented!"

              Thomas Duff, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana

  • "This class was excellent and very well organized.  Jere did a wonderful job instructing the course"

              Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Spokane, WA

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed this course and felt I learned a lot..."

              Robert Belcourt, Chippewa Cree Tribe 

  • "I really enjoyed the Class.  Jere did a great job!"

                Bill Mathews, National Weather Service, MT

  • "Now only did Mr. Folgert provide solid training on ArcVIew, he gave us a lot of background information on GIS and the Internet"

                    Jane Kristine, Mercy General Hospital, ME

  • "The Instructor provided a very good explanation of the material.  His background knowledge made the class worth while!"    

                    Marie Wilson, Adventures Plus


WHY IS EDUCATION IMPORTANT?

Purpose

  • Education is a prudent and an essential investment.  New pervasive technologies such as GIS, demand highly trained personnel.   As geographic information technology moves from  innovation to maturity, our educational concerns will also increase.  Many organizations are faced with the need for renewal in an age of constant change and innovation.  Overall, there is a need for existing workers to acquire practical knowledge and skill in the subject of geographic  information systems (GIS).  Learning to use a GIS effectively the users must not only know how to use the software and hardware which the system is comprised by how geographic information is going to help them solve problems in their related field.

Objectives

  • Global Positions, LLC.'s training objective is to provide directly or indirectly, the appropriate attitude, knowledge, behavior patterns and skills for each unique user of GIS.  The types of learning required range from specifically related to the technology to application of technology to application of technology to user's tasks.  The purpose of educating users is to provide an understanding of the subject matter and the philosophy of the field.  An ingredient crucial to the training success is to justify the efforts of learning, by explaining to the organization's managers and trainees, the philosophy behind using a GIS for their work, and why its use is beneficial.

Implementation of Training

  • There are a number of differences in the way GIS are implemented an used, which can effect how GIS can be taught in any specific location.  A number of training options are available including introduction seminars, conference workshops, professional workshops, distance learning and self-directed programs.   We often study the job, prepare selection procedures, devise training methods, design training handbooks, administer training and finally, review the effectiveness of training.  

What is GIS?

Simply put, a GIS combines layers of information about a place to give you a better understanding of that place. What layers of information you combine depends on your purpose—finding the best location for a new store, analyzing environmental damage, viewing similar crimes in a city to detect a pattern, and so on.

What Training is right for You ?

Whether your use of GIS is casual or professional, some form of education or technical training is highly recommended. GIS applies a scientific process to the tasks for which it is used. Good training will better equip you to understand that process and apply it properly. There are four main methods of learning GIS:

Self-Study Approach
With a self study approach, you learn on your own using workbooks and CD–ROMs. This type of learning works best for individuals who are highly motivated, who can do the work and master the content with little outside support.

Instructor-Led Technical Training
With this approach, "overview", or specialized training is offered by individuals who know GIS very well.. Instructor-led classes allow you to focus completely on the task at hand, free of daily distractions, and allow for better instructor–student interaction.

Formal GIS Degree from a University or a Certification Programs
This type of learning is recommended for those who want a thorough understanding of the principles of GIS verses learning a particular software package such as ArcGIS.  Many colleges and universities throughout the world offer GIS programs.

Online (web-based) Learning
This approach is tied to a self-study approach, in that it works best for motivated, independent learners who want or need flexibility in their training schedule or location and for those who cannot afford the time away from work to attend traditional classes. Web-based training lets you control the pace at which you learn and is very affordable.