Learners teaching – teachers learning: a collaborative approach to develop skills in GIS Education

A geographic information system (GIS) can be defined as a computer-based system that enables the collection, management, analysis, visualization, and sharing of spatial data. As this technology is a fundamental and fast-growing part of the global economy (Gilbert and Krygier 2007), there is a growing global demand for a skilled workforce that can use it to address an array of spatial issues (Richardson 2009). GIS is taught in some higher education courses, primarily geography, which enhances students’ employment opportunities. However, while there is potential to embed GIS as a commonplace tool in schools, doing so has been a perennial challenge, with an array of obstacles to overcome, and support for those “intrepid souls” (DeMers 2016, 23) who pioneer GIS use in schools is needed. Universities may have a part to play in this.