GIS Survey

GIS Mini-Course Survey

Hello. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey to help me in gather information for my mini-course on GIS (Geographic Information Systems). A GIS is a computer system used to collect, store, manipulate, and analyze spatially-referenced data; data that is connected to a location on the earth’s surface. A GIS can output data in several forms, such as Excel tables, graphs, charts, and 2D and 3D representations; the most recognizable data output of a GIS are maps. GIS has increasingly been utilized to address the computational challenges of ‘big data’ (data sets so large they are difficult to analyze) to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. The following questions are meant to gauge your level of awareness and interaction with GIS as well as your thoughts on its utility as an instructional tool.

1) Please check ALL of the following GIS programs/applications that you have heard about. (ArcGIS Geocaching Google Maps Google Earth GPS Environmental Impact Analysis MapInfo Remote Sensing Story Maps Suitability Modelling Web Maps)

2) Please check ALL of the following GIS programs/applications that you have personally used. (ArcGIS Geocaching Google Maps Google Earth GPS Environmental Impact Analysis MapInfo Remote Sensing Story Maps Suitability Modelling Web Maps)

3) Have you ever taken an academic course, at any level, in which you utilized a GIS program or application? If yes, please outline the grade level and context of the application as best as you remember.

4) Have you ever utilized a GIS program or application in your own instruction? If yes, please outline the lesson or activity and its instructional context.

5) Given the description of GIS provided above and any prior knowledge, do you think GIS would be a useful tool to you in your instruction? Please explain why you think as you do.

6) Given the description of GIS provided above and any prior knowledge, in what instructional context do you think GIS would be most applicable? Please explain why you think as you do.

7) Would you be inclined to utilize GIS in your instructional practice if it were open-sourced?