Using Global Information Systems (GIS) to support enquiry based learning

InfoMapper - Using Global Information Systems (GIS) to support enquiry based learning in and outside the classroom
From October 2005 to July 2006 over twenty primary schools in Kent, have used the GIS application InfoMapper to support a range of geography projects linked to the local environment.
Taking part in a wide range of activities in and outside the classroom, the children have extensively used ICT to gather and present information. Focusing on how we can use ICT to improve children?s enquiry skills and understanding of environmental issues the project includes information on:

• How effectively does using ICT improve children?s enquiry skills?
• How effectively does using GIS promote children?s understanding of environmental issues?
• How effectively does using GIS motivate and result in children becoming active learners?

Last year twelve Ashford schools participated in the first InfoMapper - GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Project. It focused on using GIS to improve geography and ICT skills, information gathered was used to analyse, and how effectively children had used the application to:

• Learn about the relief and geography of their local area by viewing aerial maps and high quality digital images of significant places of interest.
• Use ICT to creatively share their work with a wider audience.
• Create and publish their own multimedia files on the InfoMapper web-site for children from other schools to view and read.

Kent Primary Schools? InfoMapper Phase II Project

Following the successful trial, schools in the County were invited in Autumn 2005 to take part in a follow-up project, "To assess how GIS can promote enquiry based learning at Key Stages 1 and 2." Thirty schools applied and received training on:

• Uploading and publishing resources
• Using web-based resources to support enquiry based learning
• Using Skype to audio and video conference
• Editing Video and Sound files using Windows Movie Maker and Audacity

Since the training concluded, the schools have designed tasks for children to use a range of enquiry skills to ask questions and gather information to solve "real" environmental problems. The information they have forwarded forms the basis of this report. Seeking to provide information that can be used to accurately assess, "how effectively GIS promotes enquiry based learning in and outside the classroom." This report will be of interest to teachers and educationalists committed to helping all children develop and become confident, enthusiastic and effective learners.

Report downloads

• InfoMapper Phase II Report Click here to download... 958 KB (pdf)
• Case StudiesClick here to download... 716 KB (pdf)
• Kent InfoMapper User GuideClick here to download... 2.69 MB (pdf)

Philip Bracegirdle
Key Stages 1 and 2 HOS Consultant

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Links

• Click here to view the SEGfL, cross-curricular, InfoMapper streamed movie.

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