NCGE Statement on National Educational Technology Plan
The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) is committed to the proposition that every member of society must be geo-literate. Geo-literacy is the ability to rationally consider and make reasoned decisions about the interconnections between human and physical systems. As environmental systems go through global transitions and more rapid local changes in land cover and land use it is necessary that people make personal, civic, and workplace choices that result in sustainability of both the natural and human systems.
Geo-literacy impacts the lives of people in two major ways:
1. The importance of place: The human and physical characteristics of a place influence what human activities are practical, what are feasible, and what are detrimental at that place. Geo-spatial technology has a significant role in weighing those options through the presentation and analysis of spatial information.
2. The interconnectedness of places: Earth’s surface is a fabric of interconnected places. Changes in one place have consequences for that place and other places. Geo-spatial technology enables people from scientists to local citizens to project possible consequences of changes in human and physical systems.
Geo-spatial technology is an essential element in becoming geo-literate. A geo-literate citizen is able to reason critically and evaluate situations systematically using the best information available. A key component of geo-literacy in the 21st century is the ability to use geographic information systems (GIS) and other geo-spatial tools and technologies to collect, organize, visualize, analyze, and communicate about geographic data and location-specific information.
The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) urges the Department of Education to follow the recommendation of the National Research Council’s Panel on Spatial Thinking and incorporate geo-spatial concepts and skills within K-12 STEM and social studies education. In particular, NCGE recommends that geo-literacy developed through the use of geospatial technologies be recognized as an integral component of earth and environmental science, geography, service learning, and career/technology education at the K-12 level.
Furthermore, NCGE endorses the statements submitted by the National Geographic Society and the Association of American Geographers.
