지리교육에서 지리정보체계(GIS)의 활용 방안에 관한 연구 = Applications of Geographic Information System Technology in Geography Education

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examines applications of geographic information systems (GIS) for effective teaching and learning geography in primary and secondary schools. Specifically this study examines the historical development of GIS and analyzes advantages in applying GIS to geography classes, and proposes a GIS-assisted geography.
GIS are powerful tools for automating cartography and for analysis of both geographical and attribute information on places. The historical development of the GIS indicates that much of it stems from thematic cartography and overlay functions of thematic maps in urban and regional planning prior to 1960, and from computer-assisted cartography of the 1960s. GIS has been applied in various fields including geography, spatial sciences, agriculture, civil engineering, and urban planning; therefore, none of these fields can lay claim to the home field of GIS. However, the spatial overlay of multiple layer function remains as the core technique in GIS. Spatial overlay is performed for either querying or modeling purposes. It is most appropriate to apply this core function for education in school geography.
Geography can gain significant advantages from incorporating GIS into school geography curriculum, primarily because it is a powerful tool in understanding spatial interrelationships in a region or a given location. It is also a useful tool for exploring similar content in various ways according to learners interests, speed, abilities, and needs, for which GIS can provide individual instructions. So far, GIS has been considered as a new discipline in geography that uses new technology. However, GIS is not an end in itself, but a means to understand spatial relations for pedagogical purposes. It is reported in a survey of high school teachers that the majority of respondents predicted that GIS will be common in tomorrows school. This study proposes a GIS-assisted instruction in school geography based on GISs ability to interact between the learner and computer. It is possible because GIS will no longer be considered as a new discipline in schools.