Conditions Affecting the Classroom Implementation of Geographic Information Systems

Richard H. Audet
Roger Williams University

This paper reports the findings of a one year study that investigated conditions associated with implementing GIS in pre-college classrooms. Questionnaires and interviews provided the principal data sources. Key implementation issues were identified and organized into an Implementation Model. This visual framework, when used in conjunction with the GIS Readiness Instrument, enables a GIS user to assess the factors that contribute to the effective introduction of GIS technology into the curriculum.

When the findings from the self-administered readiness questionnaire are applied to the GIS Implementation Model, an implementation profile results that graphically depicts an action plan for addressing all components of a GIS. Examples of implementation profiles derived from three existing programs are discussed.

Richard H. Audet
Assistant Professor of Education
Roger Williams University
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809

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