Modernizing the Photogrammetry Curriculum by Integrating the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Bio-Inspired Design and STEAM Approach

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Title: Modernizing the Photogrammetry Curriculum by Integrating the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Bio-Inspired Design and STEAM Approach
Language: English
Authors: Ahmed Elaksher, Bhavana Kotla (ORCID 0000-0002-5163-7664)
Source: Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning. 2026 19(1):114-130.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: STEM Education, Art Education, Curriculum Development, Entrepreneurship, Student Attitudes, Photography, Geography, Cartography, Geography Instruction, Metacognition, Vocational Interests, Learner Engagement, Map Skills, Diversity, College Students
DOI: 10.1108/JRIT-03-2024-0051
ISSN: 1947-1017
Abstract: Purpose: Photogrammetry enables scientists and engineers to make accurate and precise measurements from optical images and other patterns of reflected electromagnetic energy. Photogrammetry is taught in surveying, geomatics and similar academic programs. For a long time, it has been observed that there is a lack of diversity and underrepresentation of different groups in the surveying and geomatics workforces for various reasons. Diversity fosters more innovative environments, helps employees be more engaged and boosts productivity rates. Although efforts are being made to solve this problem, most attempts did not significantly improve the diversity issues in this field. To address this problem, we designed a new curriculum for a photogrammetry course, which integrates entrepreneurial mindset (EM), bio-inspired design and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into the photogrammetry course for this study. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the participatory action research method, Photovoice, was used to gather data. Students were asked to respond to photovoice and metacognitive reflection prompts to understand student perceptions about the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in photogrammetric mapping. Students were required to respond to each prompt with three pictures and a narrative. These reflections were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The analysis of the photovoice and metacognitive reflections resulted in six themes: promoting digital literacy, promoting job readiness and awareness, improving perceived learning outcomes, increasing interest in pursuing careers in surveying/geomatics, encouraging learner engagement and increasing awareness of the role of art in map making. Originality/value: This is the first study conducted at our Hispanic Serving Institution, which specifically designed a curriculum integrating EM, bio-inspired design and STEAM concepts to address diversity issues in surveying and geomatics engineering disciplines.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507929
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Modernizing the Photogrammetry Curriculum by Integrating the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Bio-Inspired Design and STEAM Approach
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ahmed+Elaksher%22">Ahmed Elaksher</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Bhavana+Kotla%22">Bhavana Kotla</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5163-7664">0000-0002-5163-7664</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Research+in+Innovative+Teaching+%26+Learning%22"><i>Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning</i></searchLink>. 2026 19(1):114-130.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: 17
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+Education%22">STEM Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Art+Education%22">Art Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Curriculum+Development%22">Curriculum Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Entrepreneurship%22">Entrepreneurship</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Attitudes%22">Student Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Photography%22">Photography</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Geography%22">Geography</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cartography%22">Cartography</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Geography+Instruction%22">Geography Instruction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Metacognition%22">Metacognition</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Vocational+Interests%22">Vocational Interests</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learner+Engagement%22">Learner Engagement</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Map+Skills%22">Map Skills</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Diversity%22">Diversity</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Students%22">College Students</searchLink>
– Name: DOI
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  Data: 10.1108/JRIT-03-2024-0051
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  Data: 1947-1017
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: Photogrammetry enables scientists and engineers to make accurate and precise measurements from optical images and other patterns of reflected electromagnetic energy. Photogrammetry is taught in surveying, geomatics and similar academic programs. For a long time, it has been observed that there is a lack of diversity and underrepresentation of different groups in the surveying and geomatics workforces for various reasons. Diversity fosters more innovative environments, helps employees be more engaged and boosts productivity rates. Although efforts are being made to solve this problem, most attempts did not significantly improve the diversity issues in this field. To address this problem, we designed a new curriculum for a photogrammetry course, which integrates entrepreneurial mindset (EM), bio-inspired design and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into the photogrammetry course for this study. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the participatory action research method, Photovoice, was used to gather data. Students were asked to respond to photovoice and metacognitive reflection prompts to understand student perceptions about the importance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in photogrammetric mapping. Students were required to respond to each prompt with three pictures and a narrative. These reflections were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The analysis of the photovoice and metacognitive reflections resulted in six themes: promoting digital literacy, promoting job readiness and awareness, improving perceived learning outcomes, increasing interest in pursuing careers in surveying/geomatics, encouraging learner engagement and increasing awareness of the role of art in map making. Originality/value: This is the first study conducted at our Hispanic Serving Institution, which specifically designed a curriculum integrating EM, bio-inspired design and STEAM concepts to address diversity issues in surveying and geomatics engineering disciplines.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1507929
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        Value: 10.1108/JRIT-03-2024-0051
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 17
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      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
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      – SubjectFull: Art Education
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      – SubjectFull: Curriculum Development
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      – SubjectFull: Cartography
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      – TitleFull: Modernizing the Photogrammetry Curriculum by Integrating the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Bio-Inspired Design and STEAM Approach
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