An Assessment of the Use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Teaching Geography in Singapore Schools

Abstract

Abstract Abstract In 1998, geographical information systems (GIS) were introduced to secondary schools in Singapore as a tool for teaching geography at the secondary and junior college levels. However, general observations and feedback from school teachers suggested that only a small number of secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore were actually using GIS to support the teaching and learning of geography. The present research study was designed to establish the level of GIS usage and to investigate the reasons for the slow integration of GIS in the Singapore secondary schools. This article presents the findings of this research and provides some insight into the use of GIS in Singapore secondary schools. Key Words: GISIT integrationgeography education Acknowledgments Lee Yong Yap is an instructional designer in the Centre for IT Education at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She develops multimedia e-learning modules and designs innovative teaching approach using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Geok Chin Ivy Tan is an assistant professor ofHumanities and Social Studies Education Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She serves as an executive committee member of the South East Asian Geographer's Association and the Educational Research Association in Singapore. Xuan Zhu is a senior lecturer and director of Centre for GIS, School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Monash University, Australia. He received a Ph.D. in GIS from Edinburgh University, UK, and has research experience and teaching experience in GIS education for school trainee teachers. Marissa C. Wettasinghe is an assistant professor in the Learning and Technologies Academic Group National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She is head of the Centre of IT in Education for NIE. She and her team are responsible for all e-learning activities, projects, development, and acquisition of e-tools and applications for e-learning.