Location: Zoom (Link will be emailed one day prior to the workshop.)

Overview: ESRI’s Living Atlas of the World contains online maps, apps, and data layers that you and your students can use for free and without a log-in. This workshop introduces Esri’s Living Atlas and the variety of online maps and geospatial resources you can use in your geography, social science, and environmental science courses. Learn how to access the ready-to-use resources in Living Atlas. Discover the variety of maps that you can use to enhance your instruction, such as real-time data, remotely-sensed images, iNaturalist, and basemaps. Find historic maps, census data, USGS maps, World Imagery Wayback maps, and more that can teach map reading skills, foster discussions, and develop critical thinking as your students analyze the maps. This workshop will also provide opportunities to discuss map connections and teaching activities with other educators to enhance your curriculum.

Facilitators: John Kostelnick (Professor of Geography at Illinois State University) and Judy Bock (Geography and GIS education consultant and retired middle school teacher)

Registration: Please register online by Monday, June 29, 2026. Space is limited. (Note: Please check that your email address is correct when completing the online registration form. A registration confirmation will be emailed to you immediately after you successfully submit your online registration form. In addition, you will receive the workshop Zoom link by email one day prior to the workshop.)

Stipend Amount: $50 (Note: This stipend is only available to IGA members that are residents of Illinois. To become a member of the IGA, simply fill out our membership form. There is no cost to become a member.)

PD Hours: 3.25 (Note: PD hours, formerly referred to as CPDUs, are only available to IGA members that teach in Illinois, provide a valid Illinois Educator Identification Number – IEIN, and participate in the entire workshop. To become a member of the IGA, simply fill out our membership form. There is no cost to become a member.)

Questions: Please email the Illinois Geographic Alliance, LLC at iga@illinoisstate.edu.