Implementing a Modern E-Learning Strategy in an Interdisciplinary Environment—Empowering UNESCO Stakeholders to Use Earth Observation

Abstract

The Copernicus Program and the fleet of available Earth observation satellites provide valuable services in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, urban monitoring, and heritage management. However, drawbacks such as knowledge gaps by the user, limited technical and financial facilities or the lack of ready-to-use data, result in insufficient exploitation of these opportunities by heritage site managers and other relevant stakeholders. Based on an initial assessment of current threats, existing limitations and potential applications, we developed the e-learning module Space2Place. Through the use of the learning module, stakeholders get a substantial introduction into Earth observation and knowledge barriers that may exist are removed. For this purpose, we refined an existing e-learning platform, which was developed in close relation to an online remote sensing application and adapted to the needs of UNESCO site stakeholders. One of the main features is the personalization of the learning modules content depending on the abilities or interests of the user. The platform offers information with different levels of difficulty and adaptable learning paths. A graduation certificate and practical exercises in an online remote sensing application increase the specific added value for UNESCO site manager. By using the associated remote sensing application and its link to Space2Place, heritage site managers also improve their knowledge on image processing by working with original satellite imagery. Additional advantages of using the platform will be enhanced through the introduction of new learning modules, translation into other languages and accompanying scientific research.

Monitoring of Damages to Cultural Heritage across Europe Using Remote Sensing and Earth Observation: Assessment of Scientific and Grey Literature

“…The construction of multidisciplinary collaborations, including satellite image specialists and non-specialists from different application fields, may certainly help to fill this gap and test the full potential of satellite technologies for documenting and monitoring endangered heritage. This can be implemented through capacity building and training sessions, as demonstrated by recent examples [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

“…A slow increase (albeit still underdeveloped) in the level of engagement of non-experts in remote sensing [11] 2. The development of international capacity building and training projects, as confirmed by numerous international initiatives run on a global level, such as Space2place [15] or EO4GEO [16]; or in Europe, such as JPI-CH Prothego [17,18]; in the Mediterranean and Near East, such as EAMENA [19,20] and EDUU [21]; and in Central Asia, with the CAAL project [22]; 3. The launch of new (or the improvement in existing) satellite imagery archive platforms such as the Sentinel-Hub (https://www.sentinel-hub.com/, accessed on 12 April 2023) or USGS (https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/, accessed on 13 April 2023) ones.…”

Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Geoscientific Ground Investigations for Archaeological and Heritage Research

“…Showcasing the ability of a technology to support a specific operational task (e.g., condition assessment of heritage sites) does not mean that the potential users of that technology will be able to use it themselves or, after training, will recognize the value of that technology and will search for it in their daily duties. In the current context where more work is definitely required to reach the users and stakeholders and generate real impact on archaeological and heritage practice, the paper by Matusch et al [40] is proof that some initiatives are ongoing. The authors present the e-learning module Space2Place that they developed in the framework of the project "Space4Geography" carried out between 2013 and 2017, with the aim to empower UNESCO site stakeholders to incorporate EO into their working routines.…”

Bringing Earth Observation to Classrooms—The Importance of Out-of-School Learning Places and E-Learning

“…Remote Sens. 2020, 12, 3117 5 of 22 et al [45]. The platform has been fully operational since 2018 and can be used by everyone for free.…”

“…As shown in the assessment, weak values for the related questions Q6, Q16 and Q17 indicate tasks and questions of the modules were neither too easy nor too difficult. A decisive factor could be the adaptivity of the platform [45], categorizing students into different groups according to their performance. Accordingly, high-achieving students are confronted with more complicated questions, whereas low-achieving students receive questions that are easier to answer.…”