LENS: Learning Spatially at the University of Redlands

from the LENS web site:

LEarNing Spatially (LENS) is a campus-wide initiative promoting spatial literacy as a foundational component within a liberal arts university. This is the outcome of 10+ years of Redlands' dedication to spatial thinking in curriculum, programs and research. Spatial thinking – the ability to visualize and interpret location, distance, direction, relationships, movement and change through space – is at the core of our work. Our initiative represents a lead effort in understanding how geospatial technologies can be linked to the greater pedagogic objectives of critical thinking and problem-based learning. We are not just teaching a tool, but a way of thinking. Our approach develops student and faculty capacity to explore the spatial nature of multiple disciplines in order to generate insights that drive active learning. LENS harnesses the integrative power of geography with technologies to help faculty and students visualize knowledge, solve problems, and understand relationships through a spatial lens.