The Use of ArcGIS Online in a Contemporary AP Human Geography Classroom and its Impact on Student Spatial Awareness and Perception of Geography
Date
2022-12
Authors
Bannert, April
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Abstract
Geospatial technologies such as ArcGIS Online have become increasingly accessible to the public. Studies have shown that the benefits of using geospatial technology in the classroom increase a student’s geographic knowledge, including spatial awareness (Kerski, 2003; Lee & Bednarz, 2012; Jo et al., 2016). They also demonstrate the importance of spatial awareness in the classroom. The development and use of spatial awareness skills such as analyzing spatial patterns are critical components to the AP Human Geography Curriculum and Exam Design (2020). The present study uses the Spatial Ability Thinking Test (STAT) to measure the effectiveness of ArcGIS Online use in the freshmen AP Human Geography (APHG) classroom. The APHG classes consist of 132 predominately freshmen within the 14-15 age range. Two classes are assigned as the experimental group and the remaining two sections the control group. The experimental group received APHG instruction using ArcGIS Online while the control group received the traditional, paper and pen, instructional approach. Most students experience an increase in their spatial awareness through the normal course of the school year. But this study found that while both the experimental and the control group’s spatial awareness increased, the experimental group did not experience a greater increase.
Description
Keywords
ArcGIS online, AP human geography, geography, spatial thinking skills, Applied Geography
Citation
Bannert, A. (2022). The use of ArcGIS online in a contemporary AP human geography classroom and its impact on student spatial awareness and perception of geography. Master of Applied Geography Degree, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.