Teen Maptivism Through Participatory Mapping
Document Type
Panel Presentation
Keywords
GIS, Education, Humantarian, Education, Particpatory Mapping
Biography
Greg Hill is currently in his first year as a Graduate student of Geography at Marshall University focusing on Urban Geography, Latin America, and Black Geographies. He is also on track to earn a Graduate certificate in Geospatial Information Science. He has presented at several conferences including the American Association of Geographers and the American Geographical Society.
Greg is the President-elect of the National Council for Geographic Education. He was selected as International Educator of the Year in 2020 by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Ft. Worth. Greg is also a former Fulbright Fellow as well.
Major
Geography
Advisor for this project
Dr. Jamie Leaonard
Abstract
This paper explores an innovative way to develop geospatial skills in high school students while connecting colleges and universities with future scholars. Using Participatory Mapping, a pilot program was established at two U.S. schools to engage students directly. The program connected students with leaders of geospatial companies, government entities, and non-governmental organizations in learning mapping techniques, ethical issues in mapping and how their involvement contributed to humanitarian efforts. Although much of the effort to increase geospatial awareness in schools has been aimed at educators, increased participation has been a challenge. After establishing the pilot program, this initiative has been expanded to campuses across the United States. The Covid-19 pandemic forced this pilot program to go all virtual, but this proved to be a net-benefit as students were able to participate in the comfort of their homes or classrooms. The next phase of the program also connected students with Geography Departments and geography-related organizations at the college/university level. This student-led organization also aims to serve as a bridge among the geographies and to provide college and career readiness. This paper argues for continued expansion of the program to encourage the next generation of geographers.
Teen Maptivism Through Participatory Mapping
This paper explores an innovative way to develop geospatial skills in high school students while connecting colleges and universities with future scholars. Using Participatory Mapping, a pilot program was established at two U.S. schools to engage students directly. The program connected students with leaders of geospatial companies, government entities, and non-governmental organizations in learning mapping techniques, ethical issues in mapping and how their involvement contributed to humanitarian efforts. Although much of the effort to increase geospatial awareness in schools has been aimed at educators, increased participation has been a challenge. After establishing the pilot program, this initiative has been expanded to campuses across the United States. The Covid-19 pandemic forced this pilot program to go all virtual, but this proved to be a net-benefit as students were able to participate in the comfort of their homes or classrooms. The next phase of the program also connected students with Geography Departments and geography-related organizations at the college/university level. This student-led organization also aims to serve as a bridge among the geographies and to provide college and career readiness. This paper argues for continued expansion of the program to encourage the next generation of geographers.
