GIS in k12 curriculum is becoming a critical component in promoting students acheivement

Why should we teach GIS in Schools?

Geographic information systems (GIS) can help learners of all ages understand the world around them. In classrooms across the country and around the world, educators are using GIS in the study of topics as varied as Environmental Studies, History, Economics, and many more subjects.

GIS in the classroom helps students and teachers engage in studies that promote;

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• 21st century workforce skills
• Citizenship and community participation
• Computer literacy
• Analytical approaches to problem solving
• Communication and presentation skills

Opportunities for Students include learning relevant real world skills necessary for the high growth geospatial industry and skills needed for future career paths and job opportunities. (See the link for GIS in Careers and Higher Education)

Successful GIS implementation into curriculum at Boca Community Middle School

During the summer of 2007 a teacher from this school (Susan Oyer) attended the one day workshop on GIS and took on the bold task of implementing GIS into several of her classes this past year. Armed with little more than a one-day training session, a Mapping our World lesson plan book, and assistance from administrative GIS staff, this individual rose to the occasion and introduced her students to the future. Their enthusiasm for GIS is evident, as students look forward to the lab sessions and pummel questions as to what types of jobs are available in GIS and where is it used. The program was so successful that the principal, Jack Thompson, has requested that this teacher incorporate GIS into all of her classes next year.

 

GIS at work in Boca Raton Middle school

The links below provide a provocative and timely assessment of including GIS in school curriculum

• Staff. (2006). Geographic Information Systems in Education. Science for a changing world. US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey. Retrieved February 22, 2008 from .

• Pang, A. (2006). Geographical Information Systems in Education. Ministry of Education, Educational Technology Division, Singapore. Retrieved February 29, 2008 from

• Johansson, T. (2003). GIS in Teacher Education Facilitating GIS Applications in Secondary School Geography. University of Helsinki, Department of Geography, Finland.

• Alibrandi, M. & Palmer-Moloney, J. (2001). Making a Place for Technology in Teacher Education with Geographic Information Systems.  Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 1(4).

• Bloom, E & Palmer-Moloney, L. J. (2004). Meeting the Challenge: Integrating Geographic Technology into Today’s Social Studies Classroom. Meridian. A Middle School Computer Technology Journal.

• Yuda, M. & Itoh, S. (2006). Utilization of Geographic Information Systems in Educational Reform in Japan.  Kanazawa Japan, Kanazawa University. Paper presented at the 9th AGILE Conference on Geographic Information Science.

• Belcher, Solange, Castro (Spring 2001) The Digital Divide, The Few, the Proud, the Technologically Literate: A Portrait of Technology Pioneers in Urban Schools. 1(2).

• (July 05, 2005)U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration, High Growth Industry Profile.

• Ihamaki, Pirita (April 2007) Geocaching at the Institute of Paasikivi – New Ways of Teaching GPS Geocaching at the Institute of Paasikivi– New Ways of Teaching GPS. University of Turku, Cultural Production and Landscape Studies, Finland.

 

Read about GIS in Palm Beach County Schools