Unlocking Organizational Potential for GIS Collaboration in Higher Education

<p>Hardware, performance, and complex interface issues are just a few barriers that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) instructors must overcome when collaborative efforts extend beyond their classrooms. As GIS technologies evolve, instructors must adapt quickly to new tools and methods to maintain effective collaboration and ensure students achieve positive learning outcomes. Successful cooperation between departments, institutions, and other organizations requires preparation and sustainability throughout the semester to foster meaningful partnerships and support institutional goals. This dissertation applies the Resource Dependency Theory (RDT) to identify and define the challenges faced by GIS instructors, examining how they navigate these barriers by leveraging internal and external resources necessary to support student learning. The study aims to pinpoint the primary obstacles GIS instructors encounter and the strategies to overcome them when collaborating beyond their academic department. This research seeks to enhance the understanding of effective GIS education and collaboration practices by addressing these challenges. The research methodology includes qualitative data collection through focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and surveys, providing in-depth insights into the experiences of GIS instructors. The findings will offer valuable insights into how GIS instructors can improve resource utilization and establish successful partnerships. Additionally, this study will provide recommendations for to support GIS instructors in overcoming collaboration barriers. This dissertation aims to contribute to the broader discussion on the issues surrounding GIS education and collaboration. By addressing these challenges, instructors can improve partnerships across academic and professional settings in GIS education, leading to more integrated and effective teaching practices.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Information Systems and Technology, PhD

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Center for Information Systems and Technology

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Paige, Charidy

Contributors dc:contributor

• Itamar Shabtai
• Warren Roberts
• Guillermo Douglass-Jaimes

• Geographic Information Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgu_etd/1003

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarship.claremont.edu:cgu_etd-2025