Integrating GIS in the Middle School Classroom
Technology is an excellent tool to engage students inside the classroom. My legacy project presents strategies for integrating GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to support instruction, discussion, and extended learning on any topic. Many practical ideas for GIS activities that enhance student learning and critical thinking skills are shared.
I have chosen the task of educating other teachers in Georgia how to integrate GIS into classroom instruction, because I have seen, in my own classroom, the positive impact that GIS can have on enhancing the learning of students. 
Positive impacts include:
  • Greatest significant increase in comprehension and critical thinking skills of English Language Learners.
  • Positive impacts on attitude toward technology and self-efficacy
  • Want a one-on-one conference to discuss how you can personally integrate GIS alongside your students' needs? Email me! :) 

Nervous? 

According to a study conducted by Joseph J. Kerski in the 2003 issue of the Journal of Geography, he states:
  "Although some educators consider GIS to be a promising means for implementing reform, it has been adopted by less than 2 percent of American high schools. The reasons behind the interest in GIS, its slow implementation, and its effectiveness in teaching and learning are unclear."

So... What is GIS?

A Geographic Information System is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. GIS applications are tools that allow users to create interactive queries, analyze spatial information, edit data in maps, and present the results of all these operations.

How Can I Use GIS?