Call for an Agenda and Center for GIS Education Research

Authors

  • Thomas R. BAKER Esri, Leawood, Ks., USA
  • Joseph J. KERSKI Esri, Denver, Co., USA
  • Niem Tu HUYNH Association of American Geographers, Washington, D.C., USA
  • Kathrin VIEHRIG Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, GERMANY
  • Sarah W. BEDNARZ Texas A&M University, College Station, Tx., USA

Keywords:

geographic information systems, GIS, educational reform, spatial thinking, geotechnology

Abstract

Despite nearly 20 years of intensive investment by higher education, industry, primary and secondary teachers, youth and community leaders, government agencies, and non-profits organizations in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in education around the world, a GIS education research agenda has yet to be developed. This paper provides a rationale and a broad background for a GIS education research agenda and describes what that agenda should include. This agenda identifies research progress made in: student learning and outcomes instructor professional development technical development, to identify where major gaps still exist. In so doing, it is hoped that this agenda will serve as a focal point of communication for the GIS education research community and encourage additional and deeper research into these and related topics so that future directions in GIS education will have a sound research base on which to build.

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Published

2012-09-07

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2012): Vol. 2 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Articles