Wednesday, March 31
6:00 PM-7:30 PM
UTC
Pavillion

An Introduction to Geospatial Technologies and Spatial Thinking Integration

Poster/Demo ID: 28489
  1. Shannon White
    University of Missouri
  2. Tom Baker
    Environmental Systems Research Institute

Abstract: The purpose of this session is to introduce cross-curricular activities with geospatial technologies. The workshop will focus on integration techniques for existing geospatial technologies such as: internet mapping; digital globes; geographic information systems (GIS); global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensed (RS) data. Geospatial technology experiences support critical thinking and provide students with opportunities to investigate real-world issues through spatial analysis of data. Drawing on 10+ years of experiences in a variety of classroom settings, we will facilitate a discussion of questions, concerns and issues facing the K-20 educator when integrating geospatial technologies and spatial thinking. Additionally, participants will investigate potential topics for digital mapping and spatial skills integration in K-12, pre-service teacher education and college courses. This will be accomplished through hands on experiences with digital mapping content and software.

Objectives

Participants will become familiar with geospatial technologies such as: internet mapping; digital globes; geographic information systems (GIS); global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensed (RS) data; Participants will investigate potential topics and curriculum areas for geospatial integration in K-12, pre-service teacher education and college courses through paired activities and group discussions; Participants will explore what resources and software are freely available to them as well as how to best utilize it as an integration tool and where to find additional resources for continued exploration; Through hands-on practice, free software, and valuable handouts, participants will leave this session ready to implement spatial skills into their classrooms.

Topical Outline

I. Introductions and Overview (20 minutes) What are geospatial technologies? (discussion) What is spatial thinking? (discussion) II. Integrating spatial thinking through geospatial technologies in K-20 educational setting (Discussion and Paired activity - 15 minutes) III. Discussion and overview of Internet Mapping (3-5 minutes) Hands on Exploration (20 minutes) --GoogleMaps --National Atlas --Social Explorer --World Mapper IV. Discussion and overview of GPS (3-5 minutes) GPS Hands On (25 Minutes) --Geocache --Degree Confluence Project --EarthCache V. Overview discussion of Digital Globes (3-5 minutes) Hands on experiences (30 minutes) --GoogleEarth --ArcExplorer 900 VI. Discussion of GIS and guided activity (50 minutes) --Utilizing ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education (AEJEE) VII. Overview of Remote Sensing and hands on (20 minutes) --GLOVIS --Earth as Art VIII. Review and Conclusion (15-20 minutes)

Prerequisites

This workshop will provide a general overview of geospatial technologies. Participants should have basic computer competencies. One should be comfortable with internet navigation and have an understanding of downloading and unzipping compressed files. This workshop is intended for all skill levels beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Experience Level

Beginner

Qualifications

Dr. Shannon White holds a dual faculty appointment at the University of Missouri with the Department of Geography and MU Extension. She serves as a Geospatial Extension Specialist at MU working throughout the state to promote geospatial technologies, geographic analysis and spatial thinking. Her work in Missouri is with local, state, regional, national and international groups of researchers and geospatial technology users. Prior to her arrival at MU, Shannon was the Assistant Director for the Florida Center for Instructional Technology at the University of South Florida. At USF she directed a statewide professional development program and it's trainers (the Florida Digital Educator and Master Digital Educator Programs). Shannon earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Technology with a focus on GIS from North Carolina State University. Her teaching experience in middle and high school classrooms, universities, and museums, such as Colonial Williamsburg, bring a unique perspective to her teaching and research. Her research interests are in the areas of geography education, GIS, geospatial technologies, instructional technology integration in K-20 education, and educational professional development. Dr. Tom Baker is a member of ESRI's Education team which he joined after a decade of research, technical development, and classroom teaching in middle school to college, ending with teacher education at the University of Kansas. During that span, Baker participated in numerous research and instruction projects with the Center for Research on Learning. Among his Web development efforts, Baker created the KanGIS Web site for spatial thinking and science education. One clever design Baker crafted was the Student Data Mapper, an ArcIMS environment that allowed students to generate their own research project in which public responses were mapped out in separate ArcIMS implementations. He currently maintains an education community portal for GIS educators.
No presider for this session.

Topic

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