These are the notes from my presentation at NEARC Educators Day 2014 (Oct 5, 2014). The rest of the presentations and documents are stored in Edmodo.
1. Look Beyond Education GIS Resources
Be on the lookout for stories, datasets and activities that are not labeled GIS Education Resources!
Example: Digital Rangers
2. Use Education GIS Resources “Off Label”
When you find an actual labelled “GIS education resource,” consider using it “off label.” That is, don’t follow the directions. Tweak, mold, mesh and morph the resource so it fits your educational objectives/learning outcomes.
Example: Mapping Canadian Confederation
3. Ignore Age/Experience Metadata
Use K-12 in college and vice versa.
Example: Introduction to Map Design (19 page Esri PDF, 1996)
4. Tap What’s interesting to You
Topics, content and exercises should be interesting to you! Keep a list of “cool content” to see when and where it might fit into lesson planning.
5. Learn About Teaching and Learning
I hear from too many educators that “official” professional development is not effective as it might be. Do it yourself.
Examples: American Radioworks, Edutopia, EdCamp