GIS in German Schools Past Experiences and Future Outlooks

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1 GIS in German Schools Past Experiences and Future Outlooks Daniel Schober GIS macht Schule ESRI Geoinformatik GmbH

2 Abstract The German educational system is organized by the federal states individually, each with their own terms regarding curriculum content, duration of school attendance and design of the school system. Although there have been efforts to harmonize the diverse system, major differences are still apparent. GIS has been successfully introduced in German K-12 education in most of the German states at various speeds with different approaches. What do the different approaches look like and what are the factors surrounding and sometimes hindering - the introduction of GIS in general-education in Germany? Examples from different German states will be presented. Since 1999 ESRI Geoinformatik GmbH has been involved in German K-12 GIS education organizing teacher trainings, giving support to schools and establishing networks around Germany. 2

3 GIS in Schools in Germany some Examples Structural analysis City Region Country Analysis Production site Dwelling place Surveying and mapping Trees POIs Pubs Natural hazards Earthquakes Volcanism 3

4 GIS in Schools in Germany some Examples GIS in school administration School locators Student transport 4

5 Why GIS in Schools? Standards and Competencies Conference of Ministers for Education: Homogenous qualifications for Geography in school-leaving examination Goal: Acquisition of compentence in spatial action Competence of matter Spatial competence Methodical Competence Competence in presentation Social competence 5 Source: Einheitliche Prüfungsanforderungen in der Abiturprüfung Geographie (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom i. d. F. vom )

6 Methodical Competence some examples The students are able to apply different geographical working methods to gain, process and present information treat spatial problems by linking statements of various sources like maps, diagrams, statistics, pictures, texts local exploration 6 Source: Einheitliche Prüfungsanforderungen in der Abiturprüfung Geographie (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom i. d. F. vom )

7 Metodical Competence some examples The students are able to handle modern information and communication technologies in a reflective manner apply theories and models and prove them in regards of their validity 7 Source: Einheitliche Prüfungsanforderungen in der Abiturprüfung Geographie (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom i. d. F. vom )

8 Competence in presentation some examples The students are able to describe complex matters of cause and effect in a simplified way present their findings and results both verbally and supported by corresponding media 8 Source: Einheitliche Prüfungsanforderungen in der Abiturprüfung Geographie (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom i. d. F. vom )

9 Why GIS in Schools? European Satellite Navigation System Galileo Start : new jobs Europe-wide Estimated values of services: 112 Billion Euro Numerous application scenarios: Toll Collect German toll system Location Based Services Navigation Touristinformations 9

10 Trends: Educational reforms Reducing the duration of school attendance Secondary Schools: decrease from 9 to 8 school years Reduction of lessons taught Interdisciplinarity Combination of subjects Biology - Physics - Computer Science - Geography Social Sciences - Geography - Economics - History 10

11 Trends: Educational reforms Changes in the curriculum Less content Emphasis on methods and compentencies Focus on competence in information and communication technologies Greater freedom for teachers and schools Methodically: Pronounced school profile Financially: Less bureaucracy GIS in the (Geography) Curriculum Starting as early as 8th grade continuing through 12th grade Already implemented in the geography curriculum in a number of states 11

12 Trends: Technologies Technological aspects Different lifecycles of school hardware Efforts to standardize computer networks Availability of broadband internet Laptop-classes Use of GPS GIS as relatively new technology in schools Imprecise notions and perceptions Curiosity 12

13 GIS in German Schools Teacher Training Universities Continuing education Hardware Desktop Laptop GPS Software ArcExplorer ArcView GIS / Diercke GIS ArcGIS 13

14 Outlook Focus on GIS als important interdisciplinary method modern and efficient technology link to science, economy and community a means 14

15 Thank you. Questions? Daniel Schober K 12 Education Program Manager ESRI Geoinformatik GmbH Ringstraße 7 D Kranzberg +49 (0) (0) D.Schober@ESRI-Germany.de 15