Abstract:

This study analyzes the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Hydrology practices of the Degree in Forest Engineering and the Degree in Environmental Sciences. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was performed to define the best strategy to improve the use of Geographic Information System in these practices. The teachers of the involved subjects identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and elaborated the SWOT matrix. A survey was passed to 55 students of the 2010/11 academic year to have their opinion into account. The results advise to adopt a weaknesses and opportunities strategy to overcome the previous students’ knowledge of the software, software complexity and access, by taking advantage of free software and students’ autonomous work. This strategy will be applied to the practices of the new Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences, which is adapted to the European Higher Education Area.