Released November 24, 2010
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. -- Volunteers from 10 Kansas communities have completed the initial training in what is described as a new GeoTech Community Service Learning Program.
The goal for the program is to engage youth in using GPS (global positioning system) and GIS (geographic information system) technologies that will contribute to community improvement, said Beth Hecht, Kansas State University Research and Extension associate specialist in geospatial literacy.
“As we educate youth and adults about GIS and spatial thinking and teach them various applications of the technologies, they can become more confident in applying the technologies to study and evaluate community-based issues and needs, such as land use and management,” she said.
For example, the initial training session, which was held at Rock Springs 4-H Center, south of Junction City, Kan., provided adults opportunities to learn and apply the technologies to map making and collection of data, such as measuring cell phone coverage and assessing trash containment placements.
The expectation is that, once adults attending the session have mastered the technology, they will be able to help youth learn through the same processes, Hecht said.
Mastering the technologies also should expand employment opportunities in careers such as public safety and health, natural resource management, climate change, community management and development, she said.
The technology-based educational opportunities are made possible by a partnership between K-State Research and Extension Department of 4-H Youth Development and Fort Hays State University, Department of Geosciences. The effort is funded by the Kansas 4-H Foundation.
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Kanasas State University, http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/briefs112410.aspx
Source: Beth Hecht, bhecht@ksu.edu
