Deploying a Geographic Information System (GIS) to Enhance Geography Instruction in Singapore: A Review of GIS Learning Benefits and Challenges of Using GIS to Teach

Keywords: GIS, Spatial Thinking, Geography Education, Singapore
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

MOE-EduGIS, a web-based GIS using the ArcGIS Online platform, was deployed based on a literature review of more than 30 articles published in peer reviewed journals since 2000, reporting on GIS learning in different parts of the world including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea. The literature review affirms the potential of GIS learning in 1) enhancing students’ geography content mastery, 2) improving students’ spatial thinking, and 3) increasing student engagement levels. It was also found that GIS learning is most effectively conducted using custom-built web GIS that is aligned to the local curricula and learning contexts. A focus group discussion was conducted to gather initial teacher response to the content and tools in MOE-EduGIS. It was found that while an easy-to-use GIS lowers teachers’ resistant to using GIS, more efforts are needed to motivate teachers to design and try out GIS learning.