Author(s):
Ming-Hsiang (Ming) Tsou* - San Diego State University
Abstract:
This paper introduced a Web-based GIS Education program (http://geoinfo.sdsu.edu/hightech) with several online GIS learning modules for high school teachers and students. By combining multimedia presentation and advanced Web technologies (Flash animation, online video clips, and interactive Web mapping tools), the GIS education website provides high school students and teachers a grounding in fundamental GIS theory and concepts. The comprehensive GIS introductions and highlighted Web resources can help students assess their interest in and aptitude for GIS-related careers. This project was initiated by a NSF Advanced Technology Education (ATE) award in 2004 to create an integrated GIS education program between high schools, community colleges, and universities.
One major challenge is that current high school curriculum must match State and Federal Education standards. It will be very difficult to create a brand new GIS course for high school students. Our strategy is to create two phases of GIS education for high school students. The first phase is to teach current high school courses "with" GIS (as the first step to introduce the usefulness of GIS in various disciplines, such as biology, earth science, and history). The second phase is to teach "about" GIS (as to officially introduce the theories and technology of GIScience, including GPS, spatial analysis, cartography, and remote sensing). By combining both "teach with GIS" and "teach about GIS" methods, high school teachers will be more willing to accept the GIS technology as their teaching tools and to encourage their students to develop GIS career awareness.
