In a school setting it means engaging in active learning, with significant thinking required. GIS can affect the whole educational experience, for students, teachers, and the community. This summary describes some of the broader requirements, possibilities, and implications. GIS can play a role in educational reform. GIS can be an effective tool to promote change and growth for students, teachers, skill development, classroom organization, instructional methodology, curricular content, and community participation, all at the same time.
People define answers according to the questions they ask and the parameters they establish.
GIS provides methods with which to explore alternative responses for specific problems and situations. Users still need to define what constitutes a satisfactory answer to their question. Critical thinking plays a primary role in using GIS effectively. Explorations thus involve profound challenge for learners. Students and teachers can both be active learners at the same time.