This teaching style may sound very strange and unorthodox, but the evolution of education is providing various techniques to help students learn.  I must first commend Ms. Klinker for thinking outside of the box.  I do not believe that the traditional style of learning through lecture is the best method for this technology.  However, the boot camp method may also not be the best.  You have to remember that each individual student has their own learning style.  Some are able to use a self study workbook approach and learn more than sitting under the lecture of an experienced professor.  Others may prefer the traditional classroom style, while there may be a few who even like to learn by trial and error through experience.  Is there a particular learning style that works best for Geospatial Technology?  I believe that this subject cannot be taught through just lecture.  There must be some type of application.  Having book knowledge is OK, but putting that knowledge to use is even better.

I like that fact that these students were able to take on a project from start to finish.  Application, application, application is important!  Knowing how to perform a task is one thing; being able to apply it is another.  Students can be provided with the tools for Geospatial Technology, but they must also be able to discern when it is best to put them to use.

Does a mixture of learning styles produce the best environment for learning GIS, or is there a particular style that works best?

The site that ESRI has created is called ESRI Training and Education.  On this site you can find and register for courses, get recommended courses, look through GIS literature and conference proceedings, and so much more.

The first thing I would recommend is to create a free user account.  There are many uses for this account outside of training, but those are topics for another post.  To create an account:

1.  Click Login at the top right.
2. On the login page, click Create New Account at the bottom right.
3. Enter the requested information on the Create A New ESRI Global Account page and click Create My ESRI Global Account.

After you have created an account, you can login and begin browsing the available resources.  A great beginning link to learn more about what is offered is the First Time Visitors link (see graphic).

Under this link you will find the following information categories:

1.  What is offered…
a.  Types of Courses
b.  Training Seminars
c.  Books
d.  GIS Library
2.  How to get started…
a.  Course Catalog
b.  Course Recommendations
3.  Track Personal Training
a.  My Training
b.  Learning Pathways
4.  Virtual Campus Course Tutorial

Once you have reviewed this page, you are ready to expand your learning.  I am sure that a particular course style has jumped out to your liking may it be by video, virtual campus, or instructor-led class.  Also, I am sure that you are interested in all of the free courses you can find.  The training website makes it very easy to find those free or low priced courses.  Whether you pay for a course or just take free courses, some will provide you with certificates of completion.

These certificates will compile under your user name and can be accessed at any time.  There will also be a transcript as well.  This information will be important to keep up with as you can add it to you resume.  Additionally, the training can also be applied to the requirements for GIS Professional Certification.  For more information about the GISP Certification go the the GIS Certification Institute.

No matter what type of training you are looking for, the ESRI Training and Education website has provided an excellent source for you to expand your pathway for success.

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