Abstract:
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was phased into the geography curriculum
of South African schools from 2006-2008 as part of the National Curriculum
Statement (NCS) for Grades 10-12. Since its introduction, GIS education in schools
across the country has been met with a number of challenges including the cost of
purchasing the hardware and software required to elucidate the basic concepts of a
GIS to learners. This paper examines the introduction of GIS education in schools in
South Africa. The development and distribution of a paper-based GIS educational
package for resource-poor schools in the country is also highlighted. Preliminary
evaluations of the paper-based GIS package are discussed and the broader learning
opportunities and benefits associated with flexible teaching mechanisms are
examined.
