GEO 565 Annotated Bibliography
K-12 Education
Introduction
In the simplest of definitions Geographic Information Systems (GIS) combine layers of information to give the user a clearer understanding of place or spatial analysis. When GIS is used in combination with internet-based mapping, remote sensing, and database management a powerful tool is created that has the potential to vastly improve the cognitive ability of today's youth. In his article"Layers of Information: Geographic Information Systems" (Science Scope, 2003), Robert Lucking states that the utilization of GIS with new teaching techniques may very well establish the manner in which science is taught in the future. Today's K-12 Curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary education, technologically wired classrooms, and inquiry-based learning. One key that has the potential to link each individual component is the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into the curriculum. Before we move too fast, we must first determine how our teachers will prepare to integrate GIS into the classroom, how pre-training licensure programs be affected, and how teachers already established in the classroom will come up to speed with new curriculum development. Once we answer those questions we must also determine what role GIS will play in the classroom and how to evaluate the success or failures of its implementation.
In my annotated bibliography I have found but a few sources that attempt to answer some of these questions. One thing is clear from all the sources that I site, it is unanimous that GIS has a place in K-12 education, but there are certainly varying opinions as to how to integrate this technology into the curriculum. I welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.