Abstract
Using GIS to Teach Economics
Track: Teaching with GIS in Higher Education
Author
Abstract:
This research contributes to scholarship in the area of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and higher education. Specifically, anecdotal and empirical evidence is presented from graduate MBA and undergraduate economics courses including Business Analyst Online (BAO) and ArcGIS Explorer. Time-log data and outcomes assessment indicate increasing returns to scale in economics education production. Kenneth D. Peterson, Jr. noted “Formal research that measures the value-added of thematic mapping in teaching economics is currently lacking” (Peterson, 2000). The conclusions presented herein help fill this void. As institutions of higher education experience revenue shortfalls and budget constraints, efficient combinations of inputs are necessary to maximize output. This research identifies GIS as a robust and effective input in the production of higher learning in economics.
Jill Harris
School of Business University of Redlands
1200 E. Colton Ave
Redlands, California 92374
United States
Phone: 909-438-1478
E-mail: jill_harris@redlands.edu