Integrating GIS into Hong Kong Secondary School Geography Curriculum

Abstract: Hong Kong' senior geography curriculum has included GIS since the early 2000s. However, GIS in secondary schools does not play a significant role in Hong Kong secondary geography education. Analyzing GIS benefits by literature review, it is believed that GIS should be included in both the senior and junior geography curriculum. Moreover, the literature review indicates that without clear instruction from the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB), low preparedness of Hong Kong geography teachers, and unsupportive attitudes from academia and textbook publishers, GIS cannot be implemented in secondary schools of Hong Kong. Therefore, suggestions are made for the EDB, geography teachers, academia and textbook publishers to facilitate GIS involvement in senior and junior geography curriculums. The EDB can develop clear guidelines for teachers, academia and textbook publishers' references, and offer student-centered GIS educational courses for teachers. It is important for teachers to be prepared for advanced GIS technology and to even learn along with students. Academics and textbook publishers can provide free GIS maps targeted at Hong Kong' junior and senior geography curriculums. Although the report provides brief information towards the GIS implementation in Hong Kong geography education, it can inspire new ideas from other scholars to facilitate the usage of GIS in Hong Kong secondary school geography teaching.