Learning Science Through the Innovative Use of Geospatial Technologies

The extraordinary gains in computer performance over the past two decades have been paralleled by a related growth in geospatial applications. An important reason for this proliferation is that these tools provide a convenient framework for multidisciplinary analysis and synthesis of data in environmental science, earth science, and the social sciences in particular. The value of geospatial technology for learning is not new, as for more than a decade, educators have recognized the promise of geographic geospatial technologies to support learning through inquiry across the social and natural sciences. However, only recently with the rise of easier to use geospatial technologies such as Google Earth and similar resources have educators been able to critically examine how geospatial technologies can support students in learning. In fact, the nature of geospatial technologies with its ability to allow users to examine and visualize large data sets and to discern patterns from those data presents an excellent opportunity to better understand how educators can support students in higher level thinking skills. Now is the time for a summation of this rapidly emerging field as there has been significant work examining the learning impacts of having students use geospatial technologies that is either happening now or has just reached completion. This edited book will serve to define the field of learning environment design for teaching science using geospatial technology. As such, it will identify short term and long term objectives for science, environmental, and geography educators involved in these efforts. Further, this book will be complementary to MaKinster, Trautmann, and Barnett's book Teaching Science and Investigating Environmental Issues with Geospatial Technology: Designing Effective Professional Development for Teachers. Whereas MaKinster's et al. book focuses on teacher professional development, this book will focus strictly on student learning outcomes and the design of geospatial environments for K-16 students. As a result, this book will provide a framework for future projects and research on learning in K-16 settings.