Abstract
 GIS Education and Educational Institutions: Questions and Problems Track: Designing Curriculum & Degree Programs Author(s): Sergei Andronikov GIS is a central element of the modern spatial information system. Being hosted mainly by the departments of Geography at the university level, GIS has to be taught as an interdisciplinary integrated holistic subject that provides the analytical framework for studying complex natural and human systems. GIS has to become an instrument for implementing spatial thinking inside of different university disciplines. Enhancement of teaching and research curriculum, as well as advantages to the community is presented while applying GIS to various disciplines. The current approach to GIS education in High Institutions, role of GIS Centers on campus, importance of merging academic holistic knowledge of GI Science with practical experience and training in real-live applications will be discussed. The pros and cons of current GIS education and/or training will be outlined. The possible solution of building up a flexible educational component in GIS will be proposed, based on an experience at George Mason University. Sergei Andronikov George Mason University Geography 4400 University Drive Fairfax , VA 22030 US Phone: 703-993-4243 E-mail: sandroni@gmu.edu |
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