A comparative study of land surveying education at the University of Lagos and Penn State University

Abstract

Recent efforts in globalization have extended beyond commerce, travel, technology transfer and sporting activities. In higher education, globalization has become a catalyst for world class education, diversity in problem solving methods, and improved international understanding. Many institutions of higher learning in developed countries are forming partnerships with sister institutions in developing countries and conducting collaborative learning and research activities through asynchronous teaching and learning, webinars, as well as faculty and student exchange programs. The success of these collaborations depends on a careful examination of overall program objectives as well as expected outcomes of individual programs. Among other related courses, the curricula in both surveying programs include common courses in land Surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, law and Geographic Information Systems. In addition, University of Lagos provides cartography, hydrography, finance and management studies. This paper presents a review of program objectives and course outcomes for the two institutions. It concludes by identifying areas of opportunities with regard to course alignment, undergraduate research opportunities, faculty and student exchange and asynchronous collaborative learning. These opportunities form the basis for future collaboration in teaching and research in support of globalization in higher education. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2010.