Aerial Sensing

First A-Level GIS Text Book for UK

The Geographical Association and ESRI (UK) are launching the first A-level GIS teaching resource.  The new text book, exercises and software are designed to help A-level Geography teachers.  The A-level (16-18yr olds) GIS teaching resource is entitled 'GIS for A-level Geography.'

I asked Ian Pearson why the project was completed. He responded, "GIS became part of the national A-level geography curriculum in September last year, and there were no text books to help teachers, until this one.
Previously, GIS text books in English were only published in North America."

Pearson is quite right in observing this fact. Many people across Europe have commented upon the need for more European oriented teaching materials.

I queried Pearson on the value of the material. " The value of it is that now teachers and students at this pre-university level have access to a comprehensive GIS teaching aid."

Produced by the GA (Geographical Assoc) in collaboration with ESRI (UK), the book is a complete guide to the theory and application of GIS, with five practival exercises described step-by-step. It includes ESRI ArcView 9.2 software with a 12-month license, plus DVD of map data for England. Costing £29.35 (GA members) and £39.14 (non-members. ESRI software alone would cost £100 if bought separately.

The author is Dr Peter O'Connor, head of geography at Bishop's Stortford College and a member of the GA's ICT Working Group.

And it's available from the GA at www.geographyshop.org.uk

What are others saying about it?
David Lambert, Professor of Geography Education & Chief Executive of the Geographical Association, said: “GIS are the most powerful set of software tools in existence for the analysis and visualisation of spatial information and are central to the application of geography to real-world problem solving. The growing importance of GIS is reflected in the new A-level specifications, all of which include modules that revolve around teaching and understanding of methods of geographical investigation. GIS for A-level geography is a great addition to our catalogue and offers A-level geography students an accessible introduction to industry standard GIS

Author Dr Peter O’Connor said: “GIS is helping students become better geographers because it cuts to the heart of what geography is about; the visualisation and analysis of spatial information. It is my hope that this book will provide new opportunities for students to develop their skills of geographical analysis to a level not previously achievable in schools. In this way, teachers in the classroom can enhance the sophistication of geographical learning by allowing pupils to access real data to tackle real problems. This helps Geography to remain relevant and gives students opportunities to use the subject in a way that stretches and challenges them.”

Angela Baker, Community Programmes Manager, ESRI (UK) commented: “New technologies like GIS can give a boost to the subject of geography, helping to arm young people with a new set of skills – not just ICT-related – but the mental skills needed for data analysis and problem solving, highly relevant to a whole host of educational paths and occupations,” “for A-level Geography represents good value as it includes the software and exercises plus all map data required to run them. I encourage teachers to take advantage of this wonderful resource that is set to raise standards of learning in schools.

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