Dear all,
Welcome to the blog for week one! Posting a comment and responding to one another's comments will give you 1% of the module marks per week. To gain the 1% you must post your comments by the Friday of each week. However, as this is week 1, you have until Friday next week (18th March) to post your comments for the week 1 and week 2 blogs. I will usually try to post a new topic on the Friday of each week so you can post comments over the weekend.
The campus based students will be discussing the same issue with the distance learners.
This week (for 1%) I simply want you to introduce yourselves. Cover the following issues:
1. Distance learner or campus student
2. Name
3. GIS Experience (particularly programming experience)
4. Current work / study
5. Interests
6. Hopes for after the GIS course.
I will start the ball rolling!
My name is Paul McKenzie and I have been working/studying GIS for 16 years and teaching for 10 years. The last 10 years have seen a great deal of change and the module has gone through a few permutations! I am delighted to partner with Marcus Young who is responsible for the exceptionally interesting work on OpenLayers and Geoserver. I am very excited by Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) along with remote sensing and of course GIS! I also spend quite a bit of time with teachers to deliver GIS in secondary schools. I love running and I completed two ultra marathons last year. I have a 4 year old son and a new baby expected in June so my running days are over for a while!
I look forward to reading your comments.
Paul
Hi Paul
ReplyDeleteSeems I'm first in the door here so I'll put my comments up now. My name is Neil and I am a distance learner. I am currently working in a data management and reporting role for the DOE (soon to be DAERA)Marine Environment Division. we are currently migrating all our data over to a new updated SDE structure as our current data structure isn't compatible with ARC 10.3 so it's exciting (and Busy) times. I have zero programming experience so I am expecting to be particularly tested by this module, but I am excited to learn new skills.
Outside of work I have many interests but little time to enjoy them... I have a 3 year old toddler and a 4 month old baby at home and (I'm sorry to break it you Paul) once the second arrives your world turns upside down!! they demand every second of my free time. So naturally I chose to take on a degree which began just as our baby was due! If I had any free time I would spend it baking bread, brewing wine and beer, making sausages, smoking (food, not cigarettes), and barbecueing. I am passionate about cooking and food, in particular the low and slow barbecue techniques of the southern states of America.
My hope for the GIS course is to develop a greater understanding of the workings of GIS platforms, the alternatives to industry standards such as ARC, and the workings of the industry as a whole.
The PGDip course so far has been incredibly rewarding, the level of knowledge I have developed since September is astounding and I am looking forward to finishing this module with as firm a grasp on its particular topics as I have achieved with the other modules.
Neil
Hi all!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Benjamin. Im an campus learner. Im currently finishing off work experience with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and on my way to completing the PgDip for GIS here at Ulster.
I guess my main professional interests would be in Environmental management and generally GIS. I'm also very interested in learning how to script for python to automate tasks! Outside of work I enjoy playing video games, fishing and home brewing beer.
I've found the course so far to be very good on all aspects really. I hope to get into a job soon after the course finished preferably in the UK or nearby countries and I feel this course has equipped me with the tools to do just that!
Benjamin.
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kathryn and I am an on-campus student at Coleraine. Prior to starting this course I had very little GIS experience apart from the 2 modules I studied in my undergrad at QUB. I am just about to finish my work placement at a secondary school in Belfast who have just bought a drone. My role was to create resources and manuals for the teachers to use.
Asides from doing this course full time I work part time in a hotel in Castlereagh and would say that I manage my time fairly well between the two. GIS would be one of my main interests at the minutes as I am thoroughly enjoying this course. When I'm not doing uni work or working in my part time job Ill be at the gym, playing sports or googling holidays for the summer. Once I finish this course my priority is to get a job in some form of GIS although I haven't quite decided yet which path I would like to go down.
Kathryn!
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Rachel and I'm an on campus student. My GIS experience comes from this course and a few modules in my undergraduate degree. I have done a little bit of HTML, CSS and Python in my own time, using Codecademy, but I wouldn't say have any real experience with programming. I'm really looking forward to learning more as it seems very important for a lot of jobs.
I currently work part-time along side by studies but once the PGDip has been completed I will be moving to Exeter to start a job with the Met Office in their Geospatial Team. I will then complete the Masters part-time. Developing my IT knowledge over the next six weeks will definitely be beneficial for starting this job.
Apart from GIS, I enjoy running and hope to get over to the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May (third time's a charm) and I also originally studied Spanish alongside Geography at undergrad so I try to keep that up on Duolingo (highly recommend this app/website for anyone trying to learn a language!)
Rachel.
Hey everyone :)
ReplyDeleteI'm Kerrie and doing the course FT on-campus. I've always had an interest in GIS since being introduced to it in second year of my Undergrad which I did at Coleraine also. I graduated from this course back in 2011.
Apart from this course I have very little other GIS experience. Although I'm starting a placement with LPS next week which I'm very much looking forward to and am sure I will gain some valuable experience here.
I'm very interested in the use of GIS in healthcare and have more of an interest in social geography rather than physical.
This course is pretty much consuming my life at the minute, along with waitressing part-time to earn a few pennies to pay the bills I don't seem to have much time for much else!
I'm beginning to look for GIS jobs now, if I can get one sooner rather than later I think I would take the PgDip and potentially complete the Masters at a later stage. Ideally I hope to get a job in NI as I've done the whole travelling thing and living/working away from home also. But if needs must....!!!
Thanks for the very early comments this year (before the module begins)!! Great to see a mix of backgrounds already. Have a good weekend and enjoy the module when it launches on Monday!
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteI'm Tracy and studying the course as a distance learner. I completed my Bachelor's degree many moons ago in Fine Art, and recently retired from a government post...neither of which have prepared me for this course. But, there is (some) method in my madness...during my government work I collaborated quite a bit with the geos and was amazed at what they could do. So, when I retired, I've finally had the time to study something I'm really interested in. It has been a steep learning curve but I'm very much enjoying it, although this is the module I've been most concerned about as my only programming experience was for my GCSEs in 1990!
I would ideally like to complete the MSc then go on to find employment in GIS, with an interest in physical geography (I'm quite jealous Rachel Abernethy - the Met Office will be incredible to work in).
As for other interests, I had hoped that early retirement would see me conquering/falling down every mountain in Ireland on my mountain bike and coast-hopping along Italy, though so far it's just a dream until the summer holidays.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteI'm Colin and I am a distance learning student from County Mayo in the West of Ireland.
Prior to this course I had no experience in the field of GIS and unfortunately none in programming either. (Hoping that will change though!)
I am currently working part - time in a hotel in county Mayo, where I play a bit of football when I have the time.
I have a huge interest in travelling, especially to European cities. In terms of plans after the course, I would love to use the skills that I have learned in order to work for an NGO!
Looking forward to working with everyone and good luck with the module!!
Kind regards,
Colin.
5. Interests
ReplyDelete6. Hopes for after the GIS course.
Hi All,
My name is Domhnall Finch. I am currently running my own ecology company and I am a specialist in bat surveys.....cant seem to get enough of the little guys. I have absolutely no experience in coding but I thought that this module would be a good place to start. I am hoping that with the help of this course I will be able to tackle environmental issues in a different way.
I am an avid bird ringer and enjoy all aspects of the outdoors. I am a hill walker/rock climber and place for my local GAA club.
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Joe McClelland and I started the course in January 2016. Prior to that I worked in NICS in various ICT positions, most recently supporting the departmental GIS infrastructure. Having enjoyed my brief spell of GIS work, I am now looking to formalise my qualifications and focus on GIS ICT.
Although I live close to the university's Coleraine campus, I am signed up as a distance learner. With only one module under my belt so far, I am enjoying the course and really appreciate the flexibility that I have to choose when and for how long to study.
It's quite embarrassing how very few outside interests I have, although I enjoy cooking, eating out and of course, DIY (my wife is always keen that I’m not idle).
Our children have both graduated and moved to work in London, so the tables have now turned, in that they are giving me advice on balancing my studies with my social life.
On completion of the course, I hope to be able to use my newfound skills in paid employment, but for now I am enjoying the student life.
Good luck to everyone …
Regards
Joe
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'm Andy Martin and I'm a distance learner. Other than the prior three modules, I have no previous GIS experience or indeed any programming experience, although I do have a degree in Geography. I particularly enjoyed the first two modules so am feeling optimistic about learning some new techie skills!
I'm originally from Killyleagh, Northern Ireland - now living and working full-time for the BBC in London. I’m keen to change careers and am hoping the course will open up new avenues for me to pursue a passion for geography and maps. I lean towards physical geography and really love Ordnance Survey maps so would be keen to see what prospects there are with the company once I’ve completed the course.
In my spare time I enjoy swimming and rambling and planning hiking trips to European mountainous regions (this year it’s three weeks in Corsica in September!). I’m also a mad rugby fan, so fitting in the Six Nations around my studies this year has been hard work!
Good luck everyone,
Andy
Hi all.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Michael Hennessy. I am from dublin. I am a distance learner. I have no programming experience, the only GIS experience I have is using ArcGIS 10.3 in my job. I work for dun laogahire rathdown county council as a technician in planning department. Iv worked here 9 years now. Before the council I worked for architectural firm. I have diplomas in CAD and construction technology.
When I finish my studies on GIS I do hope to stay within the public sector. There is one job I would like to get when I finish my studies which is work as a civilian in the garda headquarters in phoenix park as a GIS technician, but will see how that pans out in future.
My hobbies include cardio and weighting training, golf and odd bit of football.
Best of luck with course everyone
Michael
My name is Dave Bustard. I'm now a distance leraner having started off as a Campus student. I was offered a job at the end of the first semester and have opted to complete the remainder of the PgDip module by module.
ReplyDeleteI first worked with GIS properly around 2001 when I started working for Hyder (now part of Arcadis) doing work for Northern Ireland Water. I recognised early on that programming would be a useful thing to be able to do but have not really got to grips with it in any meanigful way. Since NIW use MapInfo at least one of my forays has been swallowed up by the obsolescence of Map Basic never mind Visual Basic!
I'm currently working as a Positional Improvement Operator on a contract for Land and property Services being delivered by Terraquest. Outside of work and study, my time is mostly occupied by looking after my son. I'm hoping that finishing the course will allow me to widen my employment opportunities.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone!,
ReplyDeleteMy name is David and I'm a distance learner living in the UK. With some GIS experience in the past seven years, I've decided to start my PgDip because I've always wanted to improve my skills in areas such as: Remote Sensing, Programming or GIS applied to society.
I've been checking other programs in GIS around the UK or overseas, but I have to admit that couldn't find a better program fitting my needs. Having said that, I'm really excited to put the knowledge into practice!
My last job experience has been in Oil and Gas sector, working for a huge project which brings gas to Europe. I'm looking for a new role nowadays since my contract has finished early this year. I'd strongly suggest to keep the discussion board up to date with any kind of GIS vacancy that you guys think may be interesting. GIS world is not that Big :).
My hobbies are focus on running outdoors, listening to rare/oldies/new brand music, watching movies or going to gigs.
I hope we enjoy the course! Best of luck
David Gallego
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Shanique and I am a FT on-campus student. My only GIS experience comes from doing it for a semester back in undergrad, which sparked my interest. I have somewhat of a programming background but it has been a while since I've practiced. I did C++ and a bit of Java back in High School (yes long years ago).
I'm originally from Jamaica, but have been in NI for a while. I currently work at a Taxi company part time just to make some pocket change (a girl's gotta get by). My aim is to complete the Masters this September and get it out of the way and then head full on in my GIS career.
Other than school and work I don't get much time to do anything else, but on the odd days that I am free I'm usually on the tennis court attempting to play or at home with a book.
Shanique
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteI'm Paul Montgomery a full time on campus student. Prior to this course I completed my undergraduate degree in geography at Queens University. Through my degree I completed a couple of GIS modules where I gained good knowledge in Arcmap. However this current GIS course at Coleraine has greatly widened my GIS skills through modules such as remote sensing and databases. I have just completed my work experience with NI Water and I have gained valauble experience through it. Prior to starting this module I had no previous programming experience, although I'm looking forward to it and have already been intrigued (as well as a little frightened by all the code!) through the on campus practicals.
Apart from this course I enjoy sport (pool, football etc.), watching tv, eating food (Mcds is a good shout!) and playing the drums in the praise band at church. I'm planning on doing the MSc and then all being well getting a job in the GIS sector.
Hope you all enjoy the course!
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI am Ana Caudevilla and I am signed up as distance learner. My professional experience has been always linked to GIS for environmental managing or researching, but I am sorry to say I have never been in touch of programming to develop any task.
My current job is in a forestry company as GIS Technician in the Republic of Ireland, I have experience in ArcGIS, QGIS and, in the past some small jobs in Geomatics and Remote Sensing. As new projects are coming and seem very demanding in terms of GIS (and likely programming) I encouraged myself to start this course, there is so much to learn about GIS!
As interests I like cooking (and eating), I enjoy outdoor sports, dancing, and I love meet my friends. When I have the opportunity I like travelling to a different country or spending long weekends somewhere enjoyable.
I am very excited about this module and course. I hope to maximize my performance and this learning opportunity and be able in a near future to put on practice the acquired knowledge.
Enjoy the course!
Ana Caudevilla
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is David. I live in Co. Tipperary. I am a distance learner. My initial degree was in Construction Management and I spent 4 years in the industry working mainly as a Site Engineer. Having completed a PGCE in primary education in Carmarthen, Wales I returned to Ireland. Luckily I gained employment immediately and have been in the same school for the past 10 years.
This is my 4th module on the PG GIS course. I was drawn to it by my interest in maps and surveying. I have always enjoyed working with computers. I am the ICT Coordinator in my school and have enjoyed trying out different initiatives in that role. I have no previous experience of coding. I did build and maintain our school website, though I cheated by using Website X5! In school I have tried Scratch coding lessons with pupils.
As regards GIS and the future, the content and associated projects of the modules so far have opened my eyes to the many different applications. I hope to focus on the use of GIS in making a positive difference in a number of areas of society. I would like to specialise and hopefully carry out some meaningful research on topics of interest.
I love all sports and played Gaelic football, hurling and soccer back in the day. Now in my spare time I mostly enjoy cycling. I have completed a good few cycling sportives around Ireland and abroad. There's lots more on my list. I enjoy most types of music and love live gigs. I enjoy reading, mainly biographies and history titles.
I wish everybody all the best for this module. No doubt as for all previous modules Blackboard posts will be a big help for me.
David
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteI'm Stewart and I'm a full time on campus student. Before starting this course my only GIS experience came from a handful of undergraduate modules. None of these covered programming so I have almost no experience prior to this module, although during my work experience at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council I learned some very basic html.
Doing the course full time doesn't leave much time for other interests. When I do have some free time I like playing the occasional game of rugby or 5-a-side, watching films and reading.
I plan to continue on to do the MSc and then hopefully get a job using GIS.
Stewart
Hello, my name is Conor Leighton, I was a student in the university here in Coleraine. I am now continuing my studies here on campus.
ReplyDeleteMy GIS experience is limited to three modules I took as part of my degree. I do not have any experience at all in programming.
I currently work part time in a corner shop on the weekends; I am responsible for lodging sales and handling the money.
My interests would include GIS, and I do have an interest in business studies and history. I am also interested in hiking, travelling and photography.
Its early days for me in regard to this course, but I hope to find an aspect that I enjoy, in which I can then seek employment in.
Conor
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Thomas Lilburn and I'm studying part-time distance learning. My GIS experience consists of a few modules at undergraduate level and this is my fourth module at MSc. I've no experience in coding/programming at all and am actually finding it quite fun so far, but not sure if this will last! I'm currently working as a Positional Improvement operator updating Land and Property Service maps, which I just started last week. I'm interested in sports in general, mainly football, golf and jujitsu. After the course I hope to be happily married and have the skills to obtain a GIS job.
good luck with the course everyone
Thomas
Hey everyone,
ReplyDeleteI’m late to getting round to actually filling this in- I’m Steph and I am an on-campus learner. Prior to this course I had only completed 2 modules of GIS at Queen’s University but luckily I enjoyed it enough to complete the Masters course. I’m currently working part-time in Newlook which isn’t ideal but gets me by. I have just finished work experience teaching in Bangor Tech, which was good fun and a useful experience but I just don’t think I personally have the patience for teaching. I enjoy being outdoors and will try most sports once but my coordination isn’t great so I haven’t mastered any of them- if I am being totally honest. I hadn’t realised until recently how many options there were with GIS so I am still currently undecided regarding which path to follow but hopefully I will end up in a role that will allow me to travel!
Steph.