Appendix B
GIS Short Course Topics
The topics covered in each two-hour session of the GIS
short course are:
Session 1 - Introduction to GIS
- Core Curriculum (CC) Unit 1 - What is a GIS?
- GIS slides, videos, and other visuals
- Overview of the uses of GIS
- Discuss the ways GIS might impact the secondary school
classroom
One of the criticisms of the first day of the prototype
workshop was the lack of connection of GIS to the needs
of teachers. Teachers wanted a broad overview of GIS
and a justification of "Why it is important to
them and their students".
Session 2 - A Foundation for GIS: Maps and Computers
- CC Unit 2 - Maps and Map Analysis
- CC Unit 3 - Introduction to Computers
Although these topics may seem to be too basic, they
were of great interest to most of the teachers. Their
knowledge on both of these topics will probably vary
greatly from teacher to teacher, with the average level
being quite low.
Session 3 - Raster GIS, Data Sources, Data Entry Methods
- CC Unit 4 - The Raster GIS
- CC Unit 5 - Raster GIS Capabilities
- Discuss various sources of GIS data (field sampling,
remote sensing, reference and thematic maps, digital
maps, databases, etc.) [see CC Unit 6 page 7]
- Discuss data entry methods (keyboard entry, digitizing,
scanning, conversion of existing digital data, voice
input) and challenges of developing a digital database
[see CC Unit 7]
The level of depth that the teachers will be able to
handle will vary depending on the group. Probably
not all of this material can be covered in the two
hours. Some might have to be deleted. Some topics
could be moved into the next session.
Session 4 - Vector GIS
- CC Unit 13 - The Vector GIS or Object GIS
- CC Unit 14 - Vector GIS Capabilities
In addition to covering vector GIS and finishing up
any remaining information from session 3, any other
"technical" issues that seem appropriate
could be covered: more information on data (e.g.,
TIGER and census data, remote sensing, cadastral records),
dangers of error introduction and propagation, 3-D
data models (e.g., DEM and TIN), raster/vector comparison,
GIS output options, etc.
Session 5 - GIS Applications, History, Trends, and Use
in the Schools
- More GIS applications: Resource management, urban planning
and management, cadastral records and LIS, facilities
management, demographic and networking applications,
etc.
- CC Unit 23 - History of GIS
- CC Unit 25 - Trends in GIS
- GIS in the Schools
In the first session, the teachers are introduced to
the range of GIS applications. Now that they have
had almost a week of interaction with GIS concepts
and software, they should be able to handle more detailed
discussion of various GIS applications. Some of the
application areas are listed above. [For instructors
with access to the Core Curriculum, there is discussion
of these types of applications in Units 51-56.]
By the end of the week the teachers are more able to
appreciate a quick overview of GIS history. Although
this topic is optional, it provides an interesting
example of the evolution and implementation of a modern
computer-based technology. The discussion of trends
in GIS can be augmented with more current "prophesies"
than those in the three-year old Core Curriculum.
A final topic, which may have been introduced at a
more general level on the first day, is that of other
teachers who have been exposed to GIS and have attempted
some activities in the schools.