Weekly outline

  • General

    Ag Technology


    Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International LicenseThis work for “Mapping New Careers in Geospatial Technologies” Project by Southeast Community College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

     This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.


  • Introduction to Ag Technology

    This course introduces students to the technology applications that are used for solving agriculture problems. The course will cover basic business related applications then move on to reviewing Ag-tech related applications; with an emphasis on logical and systematic decision making; establishing a basic understanding of GPS/GIS and the overall usage in agriculture.

    This module will lead students through the basic tools a student will use throughout the course: how to use messaging, upload an assignment, and practice participating in discussion forums.

    Readings and Resources

    Read

    Assignments

    Complete:

      • Readings
      • Setting Up Moodle Profile
      • Intro Discussion
      • Intro Assignment a
      • Intro Quiz

    Please complete the activities below.  If you have any questions, please message me.  Also, make sure to read the material in "Readings and Resources" above.  Thank You!

  • Introduction to Word Processing

    This module introduces the basic concepts in word processing. Students will practice creating documents that they may use in their pursuit of employment or in a small business: a poster, letter, envelope and resume.

    The tutorials and instructions for the class are based on MS Word 2013; however Office Libre or Google Docs can be used to create most projects.  

    Readings and Resources

    Read:

    Assignments

    Complete:

      • Readings
      • Assignment 1: Creating a simple poster
      • Assignment 2: Creating a letter
      • Assignment 3: Creating an envelope
      • Assignment 4: Creating a resume

  • Introduction to Microsoft Publisher

    This module introduces the student to the basic concepts of desktop publishing using MS Publisher.  After viewing the online tutorials, students will use the publishing software to create a greeting card and brochure.

    Publisher is a desktop publishing application that differs from MS Word in that the emphasis is placed on page layout and design rather than text composition and proofing.  It uses “blocks” such as text blocks and graphics blocks that can be easily moved around the page for designing.

    The tutorials and instructions are based on MS Publisher. Other programs can be used to create the projects however the instructions may not apply for each step.

    Readings and Resources

    Assignments

    Complete:

      • Readings
      • Assignment 1: Create a greeting card
      • Assignment 2: Create a brochure

  • Introduction to PowerPoint

    This module introduces the student to the basic concepts of creating a presentation. Presentations convey a message or a story by breaking down the content into slides. Think of each slide as a blank canvas for the pictures, words, and shapes that will help you build your story.
    The tutorials and instructions for the class are based on MS Office 2013 PowerPoint however you can also use free programs such as Libre Office or Google Presentation. After viewing the online tutorials, students will use the presentation software to create a presentation about themselves.

    Readings and Resources

    Assignments

    Complete:

      • Readings
      • Presentation Assignment 1 - Presentation

  • Excel

    This module introduces the student to the basic concepts of creating and managing spreadsheets. A spreadsheet is an incredibly powerful tool for getting meaning out of vast amounts of data; it also works really well for simple calculations and tracking almost any kind of information. The key for unlocking all that potential is the grid of cells.

    Readings and Resources

      • Beginning Spreadsheet Tutorials
      • All assignment documents

    Assignments

    Complete

      • Readings
      • Excel 1 – Calculating Expenses
      • Excel 2 – Common tools in Workbook
      • Excel 3 - Payroll
      • Excel 4 - Average Daily Grain
      • Excel t 5 - Cost of Veggies
      • Excel 6 - Tomato
      • Excel 7 - Flower
      • Excel 8-  Feeder Pig budget
      • Excel 9 - Corn Plot final

     

  • Introduction to Precision Agriculture

    Precision Agriculture is becoming very important to agricultural businesses. The modern practice of precision agriculture was enabled by the advent of the Global Positioning Systems or GPS; a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their ground systems. Essentially GPS gives every square meter on the planet a unique address.

    A Geographic Information System or GIS is a computer system that uses GPS data to map, model, query, and analyze large quantities of data within a single database according to their location.

    These systems allow farmer's and/or researcher's to locate their precise position in a field and to obtain data from the field; allowing for the creation of maps that show many variables (e.g. crop yield, terrain features/topography, organic matter content, moisture levels, nitrogen levels, pH, EC, Mg, K, etc.).

    In this section students will become familiar with the definition of Precision Agriculture; the basic functions GPS and GIS; and list the ways GPS can be used in relation to agriculture

    Readings and Resources

    Assignments

    Complete:

      • Readings
      • PA1 - Discussion –  The World of Precision Agriculture
      • PA1 - 1  Assignment– Define Precision Agriculture
      • PA1 - 2 Assignment – What is GPS?
      • PA1 - 3 Assignment – What is GIS?

  • Precision Agriculture Technology

    From a machinery viewpoint, precision agricultural technologies can probably be summed up as the integration of electronics into agricultural equipment. Most systems are based on GPS technology for positioning and incorporate multiple sensors in guidance systems, remote sensing, variable rate application and yield monitors.

    Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are incredibly helpful in being able to map and project current and future fluctuations in precipitation, temperature, crop output, and more. By mapping geographic and geologic features of current (and potential) farmland scientists and farmers can work together to create more effective and efficient farming. GIS can analyze soil data combined with historical farming practices to determine what crops to plant; where they should go, and how to maintain soil nutrition levels to best benefit the plants.

    After completion of this module students will become familiar with: Precision Agriculture tools used in agriculture; technology options used in Precision Agriculture; the basics of how GIS, ArcGIS, Google Maps and Surety Maps are used in precision agriculture

    Readings and Resources

    Read/review:  

    Students will access online:

      • ArcGIS Online - tutorials
      • Google Earth
      • Surety Maps

     Assignments

    Complete:

      • Readings
      • PA2 - 4 Assignment - Google Earth
      • PA2 - 5 Assignment - ArcGIS Online
      • PA2 - 6 Assignment - Surety Maps
      • PA2 - 7 Discussion - Drones