Using WebGIS Platforms and Inquiry based Activities to Teach about World Political Map and World Population

Abstract

In Slovakia, a national project IT Academy the education for the 21st century was launched to
promote student interest in science, mathematics and informatics across se condary education; and
to also prepare students for the digital age. Geography education has an opportunity to undergo
a process of reconceptualization and change in response to an increased use of technology.
Recent trends in geography education which are occurring as a result of technological
developments have resulted in the map, a primary tool of a geographer, becoming substituted by
digital technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). However, digital advancements
have not been reflected in the teaching and learning of geography. Therefore, based on such an
assumption, the aim of the current study is to encourage Geography students to acquire knowledge
and develop skills through the purposeful use and implementation of geospatial technolog ies. The
paper presents learning activities about World Political Map and World Population for secondary
school students who are studying Geography, which are designed to make Geography lessons
more inquiry based with real life application. The activities were piloted and evaluated by
Geography teachers all over Slovakia. In conclusion, the statements from teachers confirm the
project is relevant for gradual reform of geography education in our country.