Are you an educator looking for a way to introduce geographic information system (GIS) into your teaching? Would you like to invite a GIS user in industry or higher education that is keen on supporting the use of GIS in K-12 to share their insight about the importance of GIS and its applications in the real world? Find out the value of connecting with a GIS Ambassador in your community.
The GIS Ambassador Program is a great way to promote the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) to K-12 schools, educators and students. Students and teachers can work with a GIS user in industry or higher education in their community to learn more about the educational value of spatial technology.
- They provide insights to you and your students about the importance of GIS, its applications in the real world and career options that are available.
- They can assist you and your students with getting started with ArcGIS Online.
- They can help your students develop spatial and critical thinking skills through the use of spatial technology, while supporting curriculum outcomes.
- They can help you with a school project and even connect you with data for your community.
- They are volunteers that provide you and your students with a connection to your community.
In addition to the support you will receive from a GIS Ambassador, the Esri Canada K-12 group is available to assist you. We can also help administrate ArcGIS Online accounts, find relevant resources and provide technical support.
Find out how these GIS Ambassadors have supported K-12 teachers last year:
- Larisa Johnstone worked with a grade 9 geography class to create map journal story maps and continues to support teachers in the Windsor area.
- Zoe Goodyear presented at a local high school in St. John’s, NL last October, where she spoke about the importance of GIS and its use in the real world.
Zoe Goodyear is a GIS Ambassador who enjoys sharing her love of GIS with K-12 students.
Feel free to contact the K-12 group at Kemail@example.com to learn more about the program or to be connected with a GIS Ambassador today!
About the Author
Angela Alexander is a K-12 Education Resource Developer on the Esri Canada Education and Research team. She has over six years of experience working with educators across Canada. Angela is responsible for producing geographic information system (GIS) and curriculum specific resources, conducting and creating custom workshops for educators and judging and developing the question for the annual GIS Skills Ontario competition in Waterloo, Ontario. Angela has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario and completed the Applied Digital Geography and GIS certificate program at Ryerson University.More Content by Angela Alexander