Implementing a Geoinformatics Course for Secondary Schools: First Lessons to be Learned

The National Curriculum for Upper Secondary Schools in Estonia now places more emphasis on optional subjects, Geoinformatics being one of which. The learning environment of this geoinformatics course was created by the Department of Geography, University of Tartu. Plans and expectations for this course were presented at the AGIT 2011 (ROOSAARE et al. 2011). In the current paper we analyze the results of course piloting and its use for teaching both in-service teachers and school students. The content of the course and learners’ feedback are described shortly. Several problems are pointed out. The main conclusion is that such a course is necessary, and that the students enjoy it.