Programs in geographic information systems (GIS) and related areas (e.g., GPS, remote sensing) have become important additions to the curriculum at colleges and universities of all sizes and types, including tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) such as Haskell Indian Nations University. This article discusses the recent development of a GIS…

Presents a checklist for evaluating commercially available mapping software. Analyzes software features by general categories including range of map types, availability and flexibility of data files, and program evaluation. Discusses ease of operation, the manual, tutorial, screens and help, error handling, design flexibility, hard copy output,…

Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer-based tools for geographic data analysis and spatial visualization. They have become one of the information and communications technologies for education at all levels. This article reviews the current status of GIS in schools, analyzes the requirements of a GIS-based learning environment from…

Presents tips to help geography educators at all levels set up a computer mapping laboratory. Discusses what a computer mapping laboratory is, needs and planning, software, hardware selection, and laboratory operation. (RM)

Describes several college courses which encourage students to develop computer software programs in the areas of remote sensing and geographic information systems. A microcomputer-based tutorial package, the Digital Image Analysis System (DAIS), teaches the principles of digital processing. (LS)

This annotated listing cites geography software programs for use on IBM personal computers. Included are programs that can be used at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. (RM)

Instructors at all levels can draw on a large number of geography software programs for use on microcomputers. This annotated listing describes some of these software programs. (RM)

This article explores the implementation of critical pedagogic practices into a graduate level landscape seminar Web site. Critical pedagogy seeks to reconfigure student-teacher relationships and disrupt embedded power regimes within academia and society. Critical pedagogic practices create a dialogue amongst learners, where everyone has a stake…

Asserts that the power and prices of computers have changed dramatically in recent years. Reviews 10 approaches to using computers in geographic instruction. Includes a 10-item questionnaire to determine whether teachers are using computers effectively. (CFR)

Contends that students in spatial analysis courses generally are familiar with computer use and programs but lack basic computer programing skills. Describes four exercises in which students learn programing using BASIC and dBASE. Asserts that programming exercises help students clarify concepts, understand the rationale behind calculations, use…

Defines raster technology in its relationship to geographic information systems and notes that it is typically used with the application of remote sensing techniques and scanning devices. Discusses the role of spreadsheets in a raster model, and describes a general approach based on spreadsheets. Includes six computer-generated illustrations. (MJP)

Summarizes the findings of a study of the conditions associated with introducing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into precollege curricula. Principal data sources included questionnaires, field observations, and interviews. Concludes that GIS will rapidly, and inevitably, become the tool of choice for exploring spatial concepts. Includes…

Describes a college level course in which computer mapping is incorporated into the geography curriculum. Discusses problems associated with using commercial mapping software in the general geography classroom. Concludes that students have reduced computer anxiety and a better understanding of geographic concepts as a result of the computer…

Examines how geography is particularly well suited to classroom uses of computers. Discusses available geography software in three categories: database, exploratory, and simulation, linking programs to the skills they develop. Provides a list of catalogs and geographic computer programs that teachers may find helpful. (DB)