Paper-Based GIS: A Practical Answer to the Implementation of GIS Education into Resource-Poor Schools in South Africa

Abstract

Geographical information systems (GIS) were phased into the geography curriculum of South African schools from 2006–2008 as part of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for grades 10–12. Since its introduction, GIS education in schools across the country has been met with a number of challenges including the cost of purchasing the hardware and software required to elucidate the basic concepts of GIS to learners. This article examines the introduction of GIS education in schools in South Africa. The development and distribution of a paper-based GIS educational package for resource-poor schools in the country is also highlighted. Preliminary educator and learner evaluations of the paper-based GIS package are discussed and the broader learning opportunities and benefits associated with flexible teaching mechanisms are examined.

Key Words:

• South Africa
• geographical information systems (GIS)
• schools
• paper GIS
• education

Notes

1. The South African population is still officially classified into racial groups. “Black Africans” represent the descendants of west and central African populations. The “Indian” population group represent the descendents of South Asian populations. The “Colored” group comprise a mixed population including the descendents of the indigenous Khoisan population, imported Malay slaves, and people born out of mixed-race relations. The collective term “blacks” from this point onwards refers to these groups while the “white” population includes the descendents of European and other non-Indian Asians. While it might be expedient to employ the term “black” here, the group designated by the term should not be considered homogeneous.

2. ESRI South Africa is the sole distributor of ESRI software in South Africa and acted as the private sector partner in the introduction of this form of GIS education to schools in South Africa.

3. The learners are limited in the criteria they can select based on the availability of relevant data.