Educational innovation: ArcGIS for Schools

In the era of technological development, the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the educational process is a pioneering approach. The GIS for Schools program is an initiative of Marathon Data Systems for Greece and Cyprus, which supports and has integrated IT solutions with full expertise and know-how over forty (40) years in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The programme is in line with the target group of the European Alliance for Digital Skills and Jobs as it concerns the digital upskilling of teachers and students.
Get to know the initiative
Since the launch of the program in 2017, dozens of schools participate in the program and hundreds of students from every corner of Greece have access to cutting-edge technologies, educational material, examples of use, ready-made exercises and seminars. At the same time, student competitions have already been held with very remarkable results. Through this initiative, 135 schools have already purchased ArcGIS software from Marathon Data Systems.
Free access to ArcGIS Online and the rich educational material it offers, creates new perspectives in the educational process, in primary and secondary schools, EPAL, pedagogical institutes and schools of further education (such as Vocational Training Institutes).
ArcGIS Online is essentially an innovative cloud-based mapping platform that facilitates the teaching of courses with GIS. With the ability to access through a browser, students can get acquainted with GIS software without the need to install additional programs.
Through this educational environment, students develop skills in handling GIS software, enhance their spatial thinking and acquire skills in solving spatial problems. The program creates a dynamic environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, promoting the achievement of educational goals.
Objective of the programme
The main objective of the program is to provide users with the ability to create, analyse and share maps and geographical data, thus offering a powerful tool for teachers, professionals, researchers and students.
The program offers a series of actions that enhance students' learning and creativity such as:
- Creation of Maps: Students can create custom maps by adding various elements such as routes, points of interest, polygons, and lines.
- Data analysis: Through geographical analysis, students can calculate distances, identify areas of interest and predict trends.
- Sharing and Collaboration: Students can share their maps with other classmates, collaborate on joint projects, and share data using ArcGIS Online. Through these actions, students explore various data, discover new locations and deepen their understanding of their environment, providing an educational environment rich in experiences and knowledge
The duration of the ArcGIS for Schools program depends on the individual use and the need of the teacher and students. As it is a program that offers free access to educational material, its use can be robust and personalized according to the needs and objectives of each educational activity. Thus, the duration can vary from a few weeks to the duration of an entire school year or more, depending on how the program is used and integrated into the educational environment.
Why is ArcGIS Online a good practice?
ArcGIS Online is a tool that can be integrated into many courses such as geography, environment, history and mathematics. Students can create maps, analyse data and solve spatial problems. By integrating ArcGIS Online into their program, teachers can offer interactive courses, assignments, and research activities that enhance students' understanding of various subjects and interest in learning.
“ArcGIS for Schools” is a good practice because it provides students with hands-on experience in digital tools and upgrades their digital skills. It allows participants to understand how technology can be applied to analyse and solve real-world problems. In addition, it develops students' ability to apply scientific and engineering principles to problem solving, promotes collaboration and creativity, and enhances the application of science and technology to practical real-world situations and problems, enhancing professional preparation for future careers in scientific and technological fields.