The importance of designing GIS learning material based on spatial thinking

Abstract

Currently, GIS (Geographic Information System) learning material is an important component of geography education, therefore geography teachers need to pay attention to this. GIS has a relationship with spatial thinking in which learning GIS can increase spatial thinking skill. However, there are many geography learning materials developed without containing a component of spatial thinking. Therefore, this study discusses the importance of designing GIS learning material based on spatial thinking. Spatial thinking in this study is used as a basis for developing learning material using concepts of space to explain GIS theory and application, using tools of representation, and using processes of reasoning. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation and questionnaire. Data were analyzed by doing reduction and descriptive statistic. The result of calculating the score of the learning material is 77 percent. It means that GIS learning material based on spatial thinking is needed by the student in learning geography. College students in the Geography Education Program are prospective teachers who will teach GIS to students at schools. Thus, they need to develop GIS learning material based on spatial thinking.