Maine GIS User Group

I received an email from the folks at MLTI about the upcoming Maine GIS User Group Meeting. Knowing that many of our teachers are interested in leveraging GIS technology in their classrooms, I thought that sharing their message with all of you would be helpful.


Dear Colleagues,

Are you interested in learning about easy-but-powerful ways of incorporating mapping technology into your classroom? Then you'll want to attend the Maine GIS User Group and GIS Educators Winter Meeting on February 2nd at the Wishcamper Center on the University of Southern Maine Portland campus.

Registration is now open and an agenda available at: http://www.megug.org/

Here are a few FAQs...

What is "GIS," and why should I care? Geographic information systems (GIS) is the term for all those cool mapping tools that have become so prevalent today on the web, desktop and mobile devices. Mapping technology also offers an easy, low-cost, and engaging way to meet learning goals with hands-on, student-centered activities in the classroom and outdoors. Also, the field is expanding, and there are lots of exciting opportunities for youth in this new geospatial workforce. The eighth annual Maine GIS Educators Conference is being held in conjunction with the Maine GIS User Group Winter Meeting. If you and your students are new to GIS, it will give you a chance to try out computer mapping tools and learn about resources and support available to help you get started. Experienced GIS users can learn new skills and share and celebrate student projects.

What's in it for teachers?
The conference features an educators track with hands-on workshops that will appeal to both beginners and more experienced computer mappers. We'll explore new tools available free for schools and colleges and help you get started using them in powerful ways with your students. Bring laptops, tablets and smartphones, if you have them; if you don't we'll have a few to share.

What's in it for students?
Students can learn GIS alongside teachers, meet geospatial professionals, and attend exciting presentations that highlight emerging career opportunities. Students who already use GIS can present their work in a poster session and earn recognition and prizes.

What does it cost?MEGUG is offering a special rate for students of all levels ($25) and K12 teachers ($55). In addition, we have a limited number of scholarships for K12 teachers to attend FREE, thanks to generous support from the Maine Geographic Alliance.

Sounds great! How do I register?To register, you can hop on over to http://www.megug.org/. If you are a K12 teacher and would like to request a scholarship, contact me at [email protected] to ask for details; make sure to include the name of your school and district. We'll award the scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis and will respond with instructions for registering.

Remember, if you are already using computer mapping in the classroom, you can bring a poster highlighting student work and your school's program!

Please pass the word, and don't hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions.

Stay warm!

Tora Johnson
Director/ Instructor
GIS Service Center & Laboratory, Torrey 223
University of Maine at Machias
[email protected] / [email protected]
(207) 255-1214

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