Geographical information system as educational technology for teaching social studies

Abstract

The nonchalant attitude of social studies teachers in adopting new and innovative educational technology can be attributed to the high failure rate among students in the subject. Hence the primary aim of the study was to investigate if geographical information system (ArcGIS software) can be used as educational technology for teaching social studies. The study adopted a mixed research design; quantitative (non-equivalent quasi-experimental control group) and phenomenological qualitative (open-ended interview) design. With a sample of 150 students. The data collection instrument was extracted from standardized questions used for basic certificate examinations (BECE). The instrument reported a Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) coefficient of 0.81 as its reliability index. Mean, standard deviation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied in analyzing quantitative data. While open-ended questions were used as an instrument to collect qualitative data. Quantitative results showed a higher post-test mean score for the treatment group (TG). Similarly, results from the qualitative study were in consonance. Signifying that GIS can be adopted as educational technology for teaching social studies.