Fun with GIS 291: Reach the World
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06-07-2021 05:06 AM
“What’s important about maps? And what’s so special about ‘modern maps’? What does it mean that someone can ‘make a difference with maps?’ And, if adult users have to take classes to use these newfangled maps, how can K12 students be expected to understand them, and schools to afford them?” Those were the key questions that an organization called “Reach the World” asked a team from Esri to address.
Three colleagues — Clinton Johnson, Koya Brown, and Phil Mielke — joined me in tackling this. I opened and closed the series, between which these three stars shared elements of their life and their work. We provided very brief essays with images, then did a video interview that was live-streamed and recorded. You can see all elements linked below.
Most teachers learn quickly the challenge of the bell, and that of the day, week, marking period, year. “With only this much time and these many words, how will you ensure learners grasp and value what you do?” You distill, connect, and hook.
Charlie Fitzpatrick (#1) Intro to the world of modern mapping |  | |
Clinton Johnson Solving the world's toughest challenges with maps |  | |
Koya Brown Mission-drive mapping |  | |
Phil Mielke Seeing the world in another dimension |  | Video interview |
Charlie Fitzpatrick (#2) Making the world a better place |  |
Reach the World is a global education non-profit that uses virtual exchange to bring the world into K-12 classrooms. They help young learners (especially those getting fewer opportunities) grasp what the world is like, puzzle over why things are as they are and where they are, and work out an answer for “So what?” These powerful questions address everything in the world today, and yesterday, and tomorrow. We need all people to understand, not just a few born in a specific place and time. And not just understand these, but act on that knowledge. Our survival — as a country, as a species, as a planet — depends on it.