Abstract

Utilizing GIS to Facilitate Innovation in K-12 Virtual Schooling
Track: GIS for Administration, Planning and Policy
Author(s): Erik Black

The United States has experienced an unprecedented growth in both the availability of online education programs and participation in these programs. At the k-12 level, over 700,000 students participate in online learning (Smith, Clark & Blomeyer, 2005), by 2010, this number is expected to double (Tucker, 2007).

While virtual schooling at the K-12 level has grown in popularity, school-based data infrastructures have not kept pace. Presently, many virtual schools lack even basic information concerning their student body, thus research-based investigations into the demographics can provide critical information to administrators and state and federal level policy creators.

This presentation will detail specific affordances realized through the utilization of geographic information systems technology. These affordances have revolutionized administrative and policy issues concerning the emerging field of K-12 virtual schooling. The presentation will highlight and present data used by administrators of the Michigan and Georgia virtual schools during the 2007-2008 school year.

Erik Black
University of Florida
G518E Norman Hall
Gainesville , Florida 32605
United States
Phone: 352-378-0517
E-mail: erikwblack@gmail.com