This study aims to clarify the problems of using GIS in a high school geography class, and tries offer suggestions that would help to increase it use. Today, GIS is not a popular tool among Japanese high school teachers because it is only used in a “self research” style of study. Through examination, the author has found that GIS should be used not only in this “self research” style study, but also a “lean and remember” style of study. Recently, GIS has been introduced as just a study tool which students can use by themselves. The author claims it is necessary to use GIS as an in-class learning tool, to utilize it by incorporating topographical maps.
Using this method, students indicated that they enjoyed studying topographical maps. GIS benefited students to see maps more freely. However, the problem was that the computer skills of the students had a great influence on students interests. Some students were frustrated with GIS because of their negative feelings toward computers.
In the present study, the author believes that GIS is useful for geographical learning. Today, geographical studies, within Japanese high schools puts an emphasis on learning and remembering. Many teachers in Japan tend to think that GIS has no advantage in this process, and that it is hard to use GIS in every class because they have to teach students other concepts. This study explains the benefits of using in classroom. In order to break the status quo, it is important that high school teachers improve the idea for using GIS. This study makes the argument that GIS usage should be a regular learning.
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