suffolk geography conference 2
DESCRIPTION
Second of 2 keynote workshops at Conference on November 28th 2008TRANSCRIPT
Suffolk Geography Conference
Session 2GIS Basics
Resourcing Workshop
“…a digital map, data located on the map, and a software
application (GIS) that links the two together”
Diana Freeman (2004)
• A base map – drawn or imported - digital
• Data for lines, areas (polygons) points
• Data referenced to the map• View data as selected layers • Display data in different ways • Process and query the data –
ENQUIRY BASIS TO LESSON !
These are the essential skills and processes in geography that pupils need to learn to make progress.2.1 Geographical enquiryPupils should be able to:• collect, record and display information• find creative ways of using and applying geographical skills and understanding to create new interpretations of place and space2.3 Graphicacy and visual literacyPupils should be able to:• use atlases maps at a range of scales, photographs, satellite images • construct maps and plans at a variety of scales, using graphical techniques to present evidence.4. Curriculum opportunitiesPupils should be able to:d. use varied resources, including maps, visual media and geographical information systemsf. make links between geography and other subjects, including citizenship and ICT.
The Growing importance of GIS
GIS is valuable for mapping and visualising information as well as linking and analysing
different spatial datasets. There should be opportunities to learn with GIS
and to learn about GIS.
80% of all data has a spatial component
Continuum
FREE EXPENSIVE
EASY TO USE
COMPLICATED
Often web based
BASIC SOPHISTICATEDSometimes a ‘cut-down’ version
The brakes on ICT - GIS
Logistics - economics• Cost of hardware/software• Access to hardware • Issues of technology
Skills - pedagogy• Teacher competence • Pupil competence – lack of ICT co-ordination• Content crowding• Lack of incentive – does it improve standards?
Removing brakes: logistics-economics
• Cost of hardware/software
• Access to hardware • Issues of technology
Lower costsBetter fundingFree resources
Wireless laptopsPDAs‘Old’ computersComputers at home
Greater speed and reliability of networks and hardware
Removing brakes: skills - pedagogy
• Teacher competence • Pupil competence – lack
of co-ordination• Content crowding• Lack of incentive – how
does it improve standards?
Vastly increased
Pupils as “digital natives”
Opportunity to reduce topic content
My results are always good, so why should I spend time using GIS?
During the key stage pupils should be offered the following opportunities that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the concepts, processes and content of the subject.
• use varied resources, including maps, visual media and geographical information systems
Interpret as ‘throughout’
‘Integral’ – not a separate module with a box to tick
All aspects – not just a map skill
‘Hands on’ use of software
Impact of GIS on the quality of learning in
geography
Higher technical quality of drawing maps and displaying maps data and better processing of data with statistical tools
Links to remote sensing, vertical air photos and GPS / SATNAV...
Issues in mapping, e.g. ownership, surveillance, uses of data, “Big Brother”
Teaching about maps: scale, symbols etc.
New contexts in ‘real world’ applications
The time is right
Demand from teachers – respond to KS3 orders – syllabus reform
Focus on GIS from GA and RGS
Interest in vocational learning
Involvement of GIS companies
Input from OS
Geography Geek: Helen Young
http://www.geography.org.uk/projects/ks4ict/projectideas/
ORDNANCE SURVEY – GIS ZONE
Juicy Geography: San Franciscohttp://www.juicygeography.co.uk/googleearthsanfran.htm
Teachers’ TV: hands up who watches ?
Google MyMaps
Simon Renshaw
ALBUM ATLASFind and tag the location of an album / CD cover...
Extra points for going to the location....
How can we use Google Earth in Lesson?
Bringing case studies to life to support learning and to
encourage investigation and research.
Using overlay to spatial illustrate information
Produce ‘path movies’ to take pupils on visual journey.
Example: CBD to Rural-Urban Fringe.
1
2
3
Develop Enquiry Work – Windfarm Debate
Displaying Field Data – Temperature Longridge Fell
Displaying Field Data
Distribution of Pubs in CBD
Displaying Field Data – Blackpool: Origin of Visits
Other Good (Free) GIS Sites
Windows Local Live is an excellent site (http://maps.live.com/). Similar to Google Earth, but the air-photo resolution is often much higher.
The Magic site (http://www.magic.gov.uk/) is a really good way of getting into some free GIS, simply by using the internet. The site advertises itself as a multi-agency countryside resource. Type in a place or postcode to see a map with countryside information. The best thing is that you can change and manipulate the maps layers.
A final recommendation is the Quikmaps site (http://www.quikmaps.com/). Draw pictures and label things on a Google map using simple clicks and drags. Easily move the map to anywhere in the world. The user-friendly nature of the site makes it ideal for students to create maps of their local or personal geographies and fieldwork activities.
http://www.ononemap.co.uk/ See properties and prices in an area that are for sale (uses the Google local platform). Good for comparing across areas, regions or postcodes.
Climate Change and PlantsYour views.....(10 minutes)
The Full Monty
James and the Giant PeachDigital story-telling...
http://tbarrett.edublogs.org/
http://www.mapjack.comvia
http://www.gotoweb20.net
Top Ten Tips
A few last words...
http://wordle.netTOY for manipulating words...
http://geographical.ning.com
Over 280 members
KS3 Ninghttp://ks3geography.ning.com
Over 450 members
My contact details
alanparkinsonatthega
GeoBlogs
GeoBlogs
http://www.geographypages.co.ukhttp://livinggeography.blogspot.com
CREDITSSome slides by:Fred Martin (GIS)Christine Lloyd Staples (Media and Film)Noel Jenkins (Wordle and Juicy Geography)Helen YoungDigital ExplorerSimon Renshaw and students
West Ribble Geography NetworkVia GTT CGeog Networks section
Some work by Tom Barrett – check him out !