Abstract

Experiences from Rwandan secondary schools using GIS
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Author(s): Martina Forster, Théoneste Mutsindashyaka

The process of introducing GIS to secondary education of Rwanda runs parallel on various levels. Rwandan secondary schools participate in a GIS pilot project led by the Ministry of Education of Rwanda. 30 teachers of 10 pilot schools teach 500 students using GIS since January 2008 and evaluate the GIS textbook which was adapted specific to Rwanda. National educational institutions work concurrently on the development of a K12 curriculum and national standards for GIS, and design courses for future secondary school teachers. This paper presents the activities, the hurdles and progresses, and evaluates the first phase of introducing GIS into secondary education of Rwanda.

Martina Forster
GIS and Remote Sensing Centre, National University of Rwanda
P.O. Box 212
Butare , Southern Province -
Rwanda
Phone: +250 0840 3837
E-mail: martina.forster@cgisnur.org

Théoneste Mutsindashyaka
Ministry of Education
P.O. Box 622
Kigali , Kigali -
Rwanda
Phone: +250 0831 2878
E-mail: tmshyaka@gmail.com