Elmhurst College is offering a free, 4-week, online MOOC (massive open online course) called "Skills for the Digital Earth" starting March 1. Ever stop to think about how important location is when using your smart phone? Elmhurst's Skills for the Digital Earth MOOC (massive open online course) explores why "where" is vitally important to a myriad of disciplines in our digital world. Participants in the MOOC will learn what location technologies are used for, as well as fundamental geospatial concepts, skills and applications. The MOOC is designed for those with no prior experience with geographic information systems (GIS) software all the way to advanced users. Offered entirely online, the MOOC is taught through video lectures, interaction opportunities and discussion forums. Participants will complete exercises and run through real-world examples using online spatial software that works on any device with a Web browser.  Participants will earn badges after each module, and those who complete six of the course's seven modules will receive a certificate of completion. An additional certificate will be awarded for completion of all seven modules. Module 1-6's certificate of completion may be used as a waiver for the first course in the Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Module 1-7's certificate of completion may be used as a waiver to AGS 500 Fundamentals of Geospatial Technologies, the first course in the Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Applied Geospatial Sciences at Elmhurst College.  The course runs from March 1 to March 28 with registration beginning on February 2, 2015.  Learn more about the Skills for the Digital Earth MOOC at www.elmhurst.edu/digitalearth.  Lead Instructor Judith Bock, Program Director, Lecturer GIS Program, Department of Geography & Geosciences, Elmhurst College