May 17, 2010

Esri's Education User Conference Puts Critical Thinking on the Map

Keynote Speaker Mark Chandler to Discuss Citizen Science and GIS

Redlands, California—Esri marks its commitment to GIS education with its 10th annual Esri Education User Conference (EdUC), scheduled for July 10�13, 2010, in San Diego, California. The conference provides the opportunity for the education community to share ideas and experiences and discuss the latest developments in geographic information system (GIS) technology through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. The conference overlaps the 30th annual Esri International User Conference, which will be held July 12�16.

One of the hot topics at this year's education conference is the use of GIS to promote analytic and critical thinking skills. "These are the higher-order problem-solving skills employers say they want in future employees," says Angela Lee, libraries and museums manager for Esri industry solutions.

Other key topics include the broader use of GIS for administration purposes in educational institutions, implementing ArcGIS Server in the teaching environment and its impact on educational resource sharing, and making greater use of the resources available on ArcGIS.com.

Michael Gould, Esri's director of education for industry solutions, says, "The Education User Conference brings together leaders in GIS education from different sectors and countries to both hear the latest news from the Esri Education Group regarding future initiatives and strategies and share their own experiences and ideas. It is the premier event for educators who are passionate about employing GIS to help improve education and therefore improve our future."

Dr. Mark Chandler, international director of research for the Earthwatch Institute, will be this year's keynote speaker at the conference. He is a prominent conservation biologist with more than 20 years of experience conducting field research in Central and South America, East Africa, and New England. Chandler will discuss Using Citizen Science and GIS Technology to Connect the Local to the Global.

The Earthwatch Institute, a pioneer in citizen science endeavors, is committed to scientific research and environmental education. It is one of the world's largest private funders of research expeditions and has used ArcGIS for several years to monitor and document the many expeditions it supports throughout the world.

Additional information regarding Esri's EdUC is available on the Web at www.esri.com/educ.

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Jim Baumann, Esri
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