GIS TECHNOLOGY TRAINING COURSES UNDERWAY FOR EDUCATORS AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

The Department of Ecology and Geography at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, in cooperation with the Resource Center for Professional Training and Advanced Qualifications, is currently conducting professional development courses for educators under the educational program “GIS in the Teaching of Geographical Disciplines.” The courses began on April 28, 2026, and are designed for teaching staff working in the natural sciences. The program comprises a total of 135 academic hours.

Participants are currently studying the theoretical and practical foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). During the initial sessions, educators are introduced to modern GIS software, its applications in education, the principles of working with spatial data, and methods of processing cartographic information. The trainees also explore the interface and key tools of ArcGIS and QGIS, which are widely used in educational and research activities.

Beginning in the second week of training, each participant started developing their own digital map project. During practical sessions, attendees work on creating shapefiles, managing map layers, processing attribute data, and applying spatial analysis tools. At present, participants are developing digital materials related to physical-geographical regionalization while enhancing their skills in data visualization and spatial data processing.

The courses aim to strengthen educators’ digital competencies, promote the integration of modern GIS technologies into geography teaching, and improve practical skills in working with interactive cartographic materials.