Abstract
How Can GIS Improve the Learning Process?
Track: Educational Research and Teacher Education
Author(s): Eric Sanchez
Our aim is to address the question of how the uses of GIS can improve the learning process. The instrumental theory offers a framework to analyse the uses of GIS for educational purposes. According to Rabardel (1995) an instrument is a two fold entity : artifactual and psychological. The development of an instrument result from two processes : the appropriation of the artifact by the user in order to manage his/her activity and the development of utilisation schemes.
During our presentation we will discuss the results of an empirical study based on the use of a GIS-like environment (Geonote) during of a fieldwork course. The analysis of the log-files of the uses of the software and the records of the students’ exchanges allow understanding (1) how the students develop uses of the software for handling information and (2) the influence of the software on the cognitive processes.
Eric Sanchez
INRP
19, allée de Fontenay
B.P. 17424
Lyon , Rhône-Alpes 69347
France
Phone: 33) 472 766 197
E-mail: eric.sanchez@inrp.fr