Esri UK, the leader in spatial analytics, is offering its ArcGIS Online mapping and analysis platform free for schools in the UK. The initiative supports the new curriculum requirement that all secondary schools use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) across their geography teaching. The new programme will also support teachers with exam board focused resources, activities and training to enhance student learning.
ArcGIS Online can be used in the classroom, PC lab, in the field or at home. This cloud based application provides unprecedented access to the worlds spatial data via a mobile device or browser. Through its fieldwork apps, ArcGIS Online also offers teachers significant time saving opportunities and puts cutting edge GIS technology into the hands of pupils.
Esri UK’s Free4Schools programme launched on 20th April at the Geographical Association’s annual conference at the University of Surrey, Guildford.
The Free4Schools programme includes a wide range of teaching and learning material, from stretch and challenge activities toblog articles, exam board focused tutorials and worksheets, videos, MOOC’s, online tutorials and webinars. The resources are designed to help teachers enhance student learning with GIS and support them in using a technology that has traditionally been difficult to incorporate into teaching.
To support teachers as much as possible, Esri UK and the Royal Geographical Society will also unveil a new GeoMentors programme, where GIS professionals can mentor geography teachers to help them get the most out the Free4Schools initiative with their students.
Both teachers and students have been enthusiastic about incorporating GIS into their learning. To date, Esri UK has been working with over 350 schools, including Dover Grammar School for Boys in Kent.
The Free4Schools initiative in the UK is part of a programme by Esri to offer free ArcGIS technology to students across Europe, North America, and Australasia.