Spatial thinking and learning

Brittany M Krzyzanowski, Mark Lindberg, Paul Bolstad, Kate Carlson, Laure Charleux, Shana Crosson, Len Kne, Susanna A McMaster, Robert McMaster, Steven M. Manson, Christopher Saladin, Stacey Stark

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The spatial university aims to help students learn to think spatially. This chapter outlines the many different ways in which spatial thinking presents throughout the University of Minnesota, beginning with an overview of the history of spatial science on campus and a discussion of how the curriculum has evolved over time. A description of the current curriculum is provided starting with the introductory level Geographic Information Science (GISc) coursework and spanning through the recently instated BA minor and the highly regarded MGIS program. We then present the ways in which spatial learning permeates beyond coursework and curricula using specific examples of organizations that facilitate spatially learning at the university including U-Spatial, GISSO, the GeoCommons, and the Esri Innovation Program. In addition to teaching GIS, we present a discussion of the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for teaching, providing specific examples to convey the broad array of departments on campus that use StoryMaps and ArcOnline to teach a variety of topics. The chapter concludes with an examination of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ways spatial science is being taught, focusing specifically on the shift to online learning. In sum, the spatial university builds upon its solid foundation to support spatial learning for a diverse assortment of departments and organizations in ways that ensure the continual growth and adaptation of GIScience education into the future.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBuilding the Spatial University
Subtitle of host publicationSpatial Thinking, Learning, and Service Throughout the System
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages55-78
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9783030928476
ISBN (Print)9783030928469
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 23 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Keywords

  • Coursework
  • Curricula
  • Learning
  • Organizations
  • Programs

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