Manchester Network Group Edited

“Beyond tracing paper” GIS in the classroom...

Alan ParkinsonSecondary Curriculum Development

LeaderGeographical Association

Image: Flickr user: Pearl of Jumeirah

My contact details

alanparkinsonatthega

[email protected]

@GeoBlogs

GeoBlogs

My favourite map layer….

Maps with meaning…

http://wallwisher.com/for sharing ideas / collaborative....

Bringing your maps to life...

‘The GA believes in geographical enquiry: that is, in students as

active participants and investigators, not

just the passive recipients of knowledge.’

“a different view”, April 2009

Progression...• KS1 and KS2: all students should be familiar with some basics of

digital mapping using drawing programs or a starter GIS program.• KS3: they should develop their knowledge, skills and understanding,

using at minimum, a range of online GIS resources. They should also develop some initial competence in the use of specialist GIS software.

• KS4: they should further develop and apply their skills in the use of GIS software, using it as a tool for increasingly complex enquiries and problem solving.

• GIS use for Post-16 students should extend so that students develop the competence to use a wide range of mapping and processing tools in GIS software, providing them with the basis on which to apply GIS to vocational or higher academic work.

The Manifesto....

GIS is about asking questions

answering questions

(and telling stories....)

What are other people using ?

SLN GEOGRAPHY FORUM POST

“…a digital map, data located on the map, and a software

application (GIS) that links the two together”

Diana Freeman (2004)

Mapping the unexpected....Source: Search terms...

Why use GIS ? 1

• Highlighted within the new KS3 Programmes of Study and AB specifications• A need for pupils to be skilled in this area (‘vocational’)• Natural link to enquiry, and use of ICT to display and interrogate data

Why use GIS ? 2• Pupils need to learn what GIS is, but as a way of exploring geography. This should be through using it, rather than learning about the software.• Ideally start with something that the pupils are already confident (and competent) in using• There should be some plan for progression

Continuum

FREE EXPENSIVE

EASY TO USE

COMPLICATED

Often web based

BASIC SOPHISTICATEDSometimes a ‘cut-down’ version

GIS at all key stages in geography...

disaster management / planning / water / land reclamation / energy / resources

Courtesy: Learning Teaching Scotland

“Students need to be creating knowledge,

not just consuming it.”Les Foltos

Calvin: You can't just turn on creativity like a tap. You have to be in the right mood.

Hobbes: What mood is that?

Calvin: Last-minute panic

Source: ESRI

GI = Geographical Information

What information do you have ?

What do you want to do with it ?

Start with the questions that you want to answer...

If GIS can help, then this might be an opportunity to

use it...

Some possible GIS activities...

Editable maps – your own area ?

Some possible GIS options....

Image from presentation by Kim Cofino

Key Stage 4 project...23 resourced ideas...

RIDO: Living Geography resourceRotherham Investment & Development

Office

GIS area of GA website

OS Free Maps for Schools

"As I travel the world, I find myself asking questions

that only geographers can answer..."

Michael Palin

Peter O’ Connor bookJust under £30 for GA members

1 year license plus data, and step-by-step instructions for use – “suck it and see”

School-based GIS ttp://www.geography.org.uk/projects/gtip/thinkpieces/gis

Noel Jenkins’ collaborative documenthttp://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dd3s53jc_46dfnx5cgx

[email protected]