GIS Fundamentals for Educators

Course Overview

This hybrid course is designed specifically for teachers and school-level educators who want to bring geospatial thinking into their classrooms. It combines online self-paced modules with facilitated online sessions, making it accessible regardless of where you teach.

You will learn to use QGIS to create maps, work with spatial data, and digitise geographic features — and you will leave with practical, curriculum-aligned lesson resources for Grade 8, 10, and 12 Geography that you can use immediately. No prior GIS experience is needed.

What You Will Learn

Install & Navigate QGIS

Download, install, and confidently navigate QGIS — the free, open source GIS used across industry and education worldwide.

Create Classroom Maps

Produce clear, curriculum-relevant maps suitable for classroom display, assessments, and learner activities.

Desktop Digitising

Create your own spatial features by digitising from aerial images — a key skill for custom classroom resources and fieldwork preparation.

Work with Vector & Raster Data

Load, explore, and visualise both vector and raster datasets. Understand the difference and when to use each.

Source & Evaluate GIS Data

Find free, reputable South African and global spatial datasets. Assess data quality and suitability for classroom use.

Grade 8, 10 & 12 Lesson Resources

Receive ready-made, curriculum-aligned GIS lesson frameworks for Grades 8, 10, and 12 Geography that you can adapt and use immediately.

Who Should Attend

✔ Geography teachers at secondary school level

✔ Natural Sciences and Life Sciences teachers wanting to introduce spatial thinking

✔ Postgraduate students and trainee teachers in education faculties

✔ Curriculum advisors and subject heads for Geography

✔ Educators with no prior GIS experience — beginners are welcome

✔ School district officials looking to introduce GIS into their schools

Prerequisites

Basic computer literacy — no GIS or mapping experience required
Access to a computer with internet connection
An interest in Geography education and spatial thinking in the classroom

What You Receive

Geography teachers at secondary school level

Sample datasets for classroom exercises

30-day post-course email support

Grade 8, 10 & 12 curriculum lesson frameworks

Certificate of completion

Access to the course community forum

Why Train with Kartoza?

Education-Focused

We have worked with SA schools, curriculum advisors, and education departments to align our GIS training to CAPS requirements.

Flexible Hybrid Format

Self-paced modules fit around school terms and your timetable. Facilitated sessions are scheduled so educators can attend without taking leave.

Classroom-Ready Resources

You leave with lesson materials you can use in the next term — not just GIS skills, but ready-to-go resources for your learners.

100% Open Source

All software used in this course is free and open source — no licencing costs for your school or your learners, now or ever.

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