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 secondary 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 technologies. 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.