In the last decade, rapid advances have made remotely sensed (RS) images of the earth available to the public. Google Earth helped popularize and introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the wider public as a free web-based application. Devices with geo-tagging and locational abilities have now become ubiquitous in our lives (GPS, smartphones etc.). GIS software once had a reputation for being both expensive and cumbersome to use, developments in commercial software (ESRI’s ArcGIS platform) and freeware such as Q-GIS now make it accessible to anyone interested. The cost of remotely sensed imagery and other spatial data is within reach of organizations. Much of this is free and in the public domain. At the same time, growing concerns about changes on the planet associated with rapid economic development and a growing population have provided a real need for better analytical tools. GIS and remote sensing help us to better understand and address these changes.
International Schools are beginning to use GIS in their secondary school curricula following on the heels of North American schools that have geography standards that incorporate GIS. Given the rapid change in software and hardware options, it can be a daunting program to add to a school’s already packed curriculum. GIS and RS offer ideal opportunities for inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning in international school settings.
The workshop will highlight examples from the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programs.
Participants Will:
Review the idea of geospatial learning from a historical and educational point of view.
Learn about proprietary and open-access GIS software options that are appropriate for international schools.
Access spatial data for use in school learning projects.
Create a compelling visual narrative with spatial references using ESRI’s Storymaps software.
Explore developments in South Asia and ways that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is sharing data through its Bhuvan platform.
