Abstract
Why "Where" Matters - Repositioning Esri Distributors in Education
Track: Teaching with GIS Across the Curriculum
Authors: Iain Greensmith
Esri Canada has recently broadened the mandate and role of its education group to include University and College level facilitation and support of research in the use of geospatial technologies. This does not suggest a change in the nature of education sector activities. Rather, it provides scope for greater involvement of the company in assisting innovation, especially within the tertiary sector. Renewed support for achieving excellence in curriculum development, scholarship, and fostering community involvement in learning are the hallmarks of the new strategy. The approach adopted is collaborative in promoting the use of Esri software for teaching and learning as well as research and development. This presentation outlines aspects of the specific implementation strategies that will be adopted for educators and their students to build spatial thinking skills; to develop curricula focused activities that leverage Esri tools; and to empower comfortable integration of GIS into classrooms and research labs.