🗺️ Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Welcome to the foundational lesson of your GIS training journey. In this course, we will explore the essentials of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)— as a powerful tool that enables us to collect, analyze, interpret and visualize spatial data to understand the world around us.
As educators, integrating GIS into your teaching can open new pathways for inquiry- and project-based learning, place-based education, and real-world applications across subjects like geography, science, sustainability, and digital skills.
In this introductory session, we will walk through the evolution, definition, and key components of GIS, and examine how GIS fit into the curriculum. We will also explore the key spatial data structures, their types, sources, and how GIS can support meaningful student projects.
By the end of this lesson, you will:
✅ Understand the history and core principles of Geographic Information Systems
✅ Recognize the main components and themes of GIS, such as mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial technologies
✅ Explore how GIS supports cross-curricular teaching in subjects like Earth Sciences, Environmental Education, ICTs, and STEM
✅ Identify key competences that students can develop through GIS (e.g., spatial thinking, digital literacy, problem-solving)
✅ Learn the difference between vector and raster data and how they represent spatial phenomena
✅ Discover online spatial data repositories for use in school-based activities and classroom projects
✅ See examples of real-world applications of GIS in education, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and more
This lesson sets the stage for all upcoming modules. Whether you’re new to GIS or already experimenting with it in your classroom, this course will give you the confidence to apply GIS as a teaching and learning tool that empowers both teachers and students to engage with the world spatially.
Let’s get started! 🌍📚🧭
