ICT Used to Teach Geography to Primary School Children – An Alternative Teaching Approach

Abstract

Nowadays a huge number of ICT-based tools such as Google Earth, Google maps, search engines, crosswords, as well as word processors, presentation software and more can be used in Geography teaching and learning. Creating school presentations containing locational sightseeing or school magazines, be they printed or electronic, referring to monuments, famous people originating from a locality, customs etc. are also tools that can be used for this purpose. The educational trial presented herein aims to: (a) encourage pupils learn geography in a more creative and interesting way; (b) to familiarize students with basic ICT skills; (c) teach students to seek and evaluate information about specific topics; (d) and perhaps more importantly show students ways to use computers for self-education. The trial took place in two different school years and the participants 42 altogether aged 10–11 years (grade E). The school was an ordinary one in the suburbs of Athens. An impromptu computer lab was setup in classroom with rudimentary networking utilising a projector. Most students were so excited that they were willing to sacrifice part of their break to create another crossword or complete a presentation. At the end of the test, most students had acquired basic skills in using general purpose software. They learned to carefully evaluate information content found on the internet and try checking its relevance to geography. This approach has also improved students’ communicative and cooperative skills.