This paper explores some of the unique opportunities and challenges of integrating participatory action research into undergraduate GIS courses, drawing evidence from two undergraduate courses that contributed to a long-term participatory action research project. The author shows that incorporating participatory action research in undergraduate GIS courses can enhance students' learning of fundamental concepts in GIS, as well as their understanding of the social and political construction and impacts of digital spatial data and GIS technologies. As well, this approach can foster critical reflection on research design and methodologies. (Contains 1 note.)