GIS Workshops for enhancing spatial analyses in the classroom
Abstract:
As students and educators refine their understanding of interrelationships between processes and events, an increasingly important component of natural, physical, and social science education is knowing how to conduct spatial and temporal analyses. Spatial and temporal data sources, such as satellite imagery; US census data (TIGER files); biological inventories; soils and geologic maps; and municipal, county, and state tabular data, are examples of diverse information suitable for use in wide variety of interdisciplinary analysis. Much of this information is readily accessible but underutilized. Geographic information systems (GIS) are powerful analysis tools that can easily manipulate, synthesize, and display this information. Use of global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing techniques further enhance these tools. This proposal outlines a set of workshops designed to train interested faculty from a variety of departments in the use of GIS, GPS, and remote sensing software and technology. Faculty participating in the workshops will also develop GIS teaching modules that they will be able to integrate into their curricula. Placing these modules on the web will expose other educators to the applications of this technology. The participation of Denison and Kenyon faculty in the workshops is intended to promote interdisciplinary, collaborative research between the faculties and related programs, reduce software and training costs, and facilitate the development of GIS-based curriculum.