Pillars of Cloud‐Based Earth Observation Science Education

Earth observation (EO) is undergoing a paradigm shift with the development of cloud‐based analytical platforms supporting EO data collection and access, parallel processing, easier communication of results, and expanded accessibility. As the global community of users and the diversity of applications grow, there is a clear need for expanded educational capacity to leverage these developments and increase the impact of EO research and teaching. Drawing upon extensive conversations between educators, practitioners, and researchers, we propose three pillars that must be prioritized to prepare students, researchers, and professionals to take full advantage of the cloud‐based EO paradigm and guide future growth. Plain Language Summary Earth observation (EO) data are used to understand the social, environmental, and climatic causes and consequences of changes to the Earth. Greater diversity in EO data sources and access points, the evolution of web‐based and collaborative platforms for analysis and communication, and the growth of the global user community are each changing how EO science is undertaken and communicated. These advances are also changing how scientists and educators teach students. Over the past few years, a group of EO educators and researchers met and identified three central pillars for teaching today's EO students within this new paradigm. The pillars of cloud‐based teaching EO science are: (a) fundamental concepts, (b) ethical considerations, and (c) engagement. These pillars can guide not only EO students but also researchers and practitioners to make valid, valuable, and engaging contributions to EO science. Key Points Novel methods of teaching must be used in the cloud‐based Earth observation (EO) paradigm The Earth Engine Education community is a valuable example of teaching and learning in the new cloud‐based EO paradigm Cloud‐based EO science must prioritize teaching fundamentals, ethics, and engagement with the broader field