Advanced technology is rapidly becoming part of K-12 education. The internet provides a virtual library with easy access to information limited only by the speed of the data link, and the creative searching skills of the student. GIS can play a major role in providing students another avenue for collecting and analyzing data.
A Geographic Information System can save, search, retrieve and analyze geographic data. GIS is currently being used academically and in many professional fields including environmental science and transportation. Everyday GIS use can be seen in the hand-held Global Positioning Systems (GPS) carried by hikers and fishermen and in navigation systems that many cars have today.
GIS4Kids offers several effective and easy-to-use interactive mapping applications for the classroom with the following benefits for students and teachers:
• Students are researchers - they collect, input, and analyze their own data.
• Students can share their work with peers in other schools.
• Access and interactivity at home, school or a library on any computer connected to
the Internet.
• Ready to use without software installation or maintenance worries.