Mobile device web-based complementary teaching of GIS
Abstract
The presence of mobile devices provides an opportunity to complement Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) education. They contain internet browser application which can act
as a thin client to Web-based Geographic Information Systems. This project aims to show that
free and open source software (FOSS) provides a viable alternative to using proprietary software
in terms of cost, ease of use, performance and conformance to open standards. The development
of such an open source system clearly illustrates the logistics of open system architecture and the
orchestration of the interaction between open source software’s. The opportunities for such a
system are immense. Students are no longer tied to desktop applications to carry out their GIS
practical work. Institutions in Kenya have an opportunity to take advantage of a system with no
installation on their part. Today's university students are "digital natives." They were born into
the digital world, and web-based learning comes naturally to them. Web GIS can engage students
in a variety of fields and improve teaching and learning effectiveness. Mobile devices initially
seen as a distraction in class provide an opportunity to complement teaching GIS in ways not
experienced before
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
Thesis