Abstract

Spatial Thinking: A Foundation for Success with Geospatial Technologies
Track: Educational Research and Teacher Education
Author(s): Sarah Bednarz, Anthony Filippi, Robert Bednarz, Andrew Klein

This paper argues that spatial thinking, supported by geospatial
technologies, can-and should-form the foundation of
innovative geography curriculum. Such curricula will prepare
students to live in a world perceived by many to be plagued with
uncertainty caused by a wide range of factors including climate
change, globalization, and health and security issues. Spatial
thinking is important in a range of contexts and is a foundation
for using and understanding geospatial technologies. Innovative
curricula may be developed using three criteria: disciplinary
guidelines, learner needs, and societal issues. Spatial thinking's
fit with these components provides evidence of its utility as an
organizing concept for curriculum. Findings from Advancing
Geospatial Skills in Science and Social Science, a program
focused on exploring ways spatial thinking and geospatial
technologies can be infused into curriculum, provide further
guidance to and support for the development of spatially rich,
technology-enabled curriculum.

Sarah Bednarz
Texas A&M University
MS 3147 TAMU
College Station , Texas 77843
United States
Phone: 979 845 1579
Fax: 979 862 4487
E-mail: s-bednarz@tamu.edu

Anthony Filippi
Texas A&M University
MS 3147 TAMU
College Station , Texas 77843-3147
United States
Phone: 9798457141
E-mail: filippi@geog.tamu.edu

Robert Bednarz
Texas A&M University
MS 3147 TAMU
College Station , Texas 77843-3147
United States
Phone: 9798457141
E-mail: r-bednarz@tamu.edu

Andrew Klein
Texas A&M University
MS 3147 TAMU
COllege Station , Texas 77843-3147
United States
Phone: 9798457141
E-mail: klein@geog.tamu.edu