Introduction of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Technical University Education in Ghana: Challenges and the Way Forward

Abstract

Geographic Information System (GIS) continue to play very important role in improving spatial thinking skills of graduates from higher educational institutions. However, teaching and learning of GIS at the technical university level in Ghana remains very limited due to some implementation challenges. This paper reviews the implementation of GIS in higher education in Ghana and also highlights the major implementation challenges of teaching and learning of GIS at the technical universities in Ghana. The status of GIS education in the technical universities in Ghana is also highlighted. An exploratory and descriptive research approach was adopted for the study focusing on the implementation challenges of teaching and learning of GIS in technical universities in Ghana. The findings of the study reveal the wide acceptance and the need for GIS education in engineering and built environment departments in the technical universities in Ghana. The paper then concludes with some recommendations that would help to improve teaching and learning of GIS technology at the technical universities in particular and higher education in Ghana in general.