Geographic Information Systems and Google Sketchup State Licenses

ArcGIS

Geospatial technologies are one of the three fastest growing technology fields (Source: U.S. Department of Labor). To introduce students to the geospatial tools and skills that will be required for many high-demand jobs of the future, Minnesota, through a partnership of organizations and individuals, have negotiated a statewide license for ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

The software will be available at no cost to qualified organizations in Minnesota. These include, but are not limited to:

• All K-12 public, private and charter schools
• Homeschools
• K-12 aged formal and non-formal youth groups (including afterschool and summer programs)

If your district is interested in acquiring a free site license for the ArcGIS software, have your technology coordinator contact mde.schooltechplan@state.mn.us or Doug Paulson, STEM specialist at MDE.

Google Sketchup

The Minnesota Department of Education also has a state site license for Google Sketchup Pro.  Google Sketchup is a 3D drawing program.  There is no cost to the districts as the state has secured funding through a variety of sources.  If your district is interested in acquiring a free site license of Google Sketchup Pro, have your technology coordinator contact mde.schooltechplan@state.mn.us or Doug Paulson, STEM specialist at MDE.