Sosyal Bilgiler Dersinde Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri Kullanımının Öğretmen Görüşlerine Göre Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), used increasingly in primary and secondary education across the world, in social studies lessons in Turkey. In line with this aim, 14 social studies teachers working in the province of Aydin, Turkey received a 6-hour training course about GIS during the 2011-2012 academic year. The training covered theoretical information on GIS, a demonstration of ArcGIS 9.2- a GIS software widely used in the world, and the presentation of GIS-based teaching materials prepared by the researcher prepared in accordace with the Turkish national social studies curriculum for primary schools. Following the training, interviews were conducted with the teachers, during which their views were sought regarding the applicability of GIS in social studies lessons in primary education, its benefits, potential difficulties, and what action should be taken. Data were collected using a 'Teacher Interview Form' consisting of 6 open-ended questions developed by the researcher. Content analysis was used for the data analysis. The study revealed that the teachers found GIS considerably useful in primary education due to its ability to enable students to learn visually, improve their map skills, and promote retention. However, the teachers also mentioned several potential problems, including their own shortcomings in using both computers and GIS, the lack of time allotted for such activities, students' inadequate computer skills, and the level of difficulty of GIS since it has been found to be rather difficult for the students. A number of solutions to these problems have been proposed in the study.KeywordsGeographic Information Systems (GIS), Education, Social Studies, Teachers' Views.Today, helping students realize how to access information and then to make use of this information instead of simply teaching them increasing amounts of information has gained greater importance. Since a large portion of the information taught in today's era of radically changing education systems requires a proper awareness of the physical aspects of the world and since Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a system in which spatial information may be stored, visualized, and analyzed, GIS finds itself as a valuable tool able to promote students' ability to comprehend and conceptualize such information.. GIS is an information system providing an integrated fulfillment of the following functions: the collection, storage, analysis, and presentation of graphical and non-graphical data obtained through location-based activities (Yomralioglu, 2002, p. 49).The number of studies revealing the benefits of using GIS in education has increased in recent years. Among these benefits are: GIS enables student-centred learning (Audet & Paris, 1997). In student-centred approaches focusing more on individual and group work, students are motivated toward creativity, problem-solving, and producing and expressing ideas (Kucukahmet, 2000). Via GIS, students become involved in the process of obtaining information rather than being taught monotonous information and skills during their educational career. The use of GIS improves students' problem-solving and research skills (Audet & Paris, 1997; Johansson, 2003; Kerski, 2006; Malone, Palmer, & Voight, 2002; Shin, 2006; West, 1998). GIS enhances spatial awareness (Audet & Ludwig, 2000; Johansson, 2003; Lee & Bednarz, 2009; Qiu, 2006). GIS promotes students' computer skills and attitudes towards technology (Baker, 2002; Pitts, 2005).GIS is also an important tool for aiding students to gain geographical consciousness, which can be defined as willingly having, protecting, using, organizing, planning, and saving nature and elements belonging to humans (Karabag & Sahin, 2007). GIS helps students to realize natural and human elements. Moreover, planning and analyzing the data regarding these elements makes decision-making easier. …