Spatial Sci: Forwarding Geospatial Technology Innovations in the Classroom

Abstract

We implemented a professional development program using the Next Practice Innovation Model to improve teacher skill and use of geospatial technologies in science classrooms. We recruited cohorts of teachers with each teacher cohort participating in a week-long geospatial technologies summer institute designed to (1) stimulate teachers’ imagination by exposing participating teachers to the depth and variety of spatial data sets produced and in use by university, agency (e.g., United States Forest Service), and agricultural GIS users across Montana; (2) incubate and cultivate a community of geospatial technology practitioners; (3) challenge each teacher to develop a curriculum module and spatial data set that was unique to their geographic setting and community. Participating GTEC teachers completed a pre-institute survey as well as end-of-year and end-of-project surveys. We discuss how participation in the GTEC program participation in the GTEC program increased teachers’ adoption of geospatial technologies into the classroom by providing teachers technology support and time to practice GIS skills and develop geographically relevant spatial data sets and curriculum with a community of peers. We close with a brief discussion of how the program could be scaled to reach more teachers.