Integrating drones into a natural-resource curriculum at Stephen F. Austin state university

Abstract

Faculty within the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas are integrating drone technology into their curriculum to introduce students to the use of high-end technology within a natural-resource-based decisionmaking process. Drones are currently being integrated across the curriculum within ATCOFA, including 10 geographic information systems (GIS) courses for students pursuing the B.S. in Spatial Science and within six non-GIS specific courses for students pursuing the B.S. in Forestry. Results indicate that drone technology can be an effective tool in enhancing a student's academic experience and provides students with a skill set required for future natural-resource professionals.