A study on the use of interactive web-based maps in the learning and teaching of geography

• Main Authors: Lateh, Habibah, Raman, Arumugam
• Format: Article
• Published: Malaysian Educational Technology Association 2005
• Subjects: LB2300 Higher Education
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/15175/

The rapid development in information and communications technology (ICT) has changed the methodology of teaching and learning geography in secondary schools. This paper tries to study the effectiveness of using web-based interactive animated maps in geography teaching and learning. For this purpose, a web-based interactive animated map was developed. The main features of the animated map were to test the students’ ability in map reading, map feature recognition and understanding of main geographical concepts. A sample of this study consisting of 106 Form Four students (16 years old) was randomly selected and categorised into two groups. The experimental group was exposed to interactive animated maps whereas the control group used standard computer-delivered static maps without the animated features. The results of the post-test show that students using web-based interactive animated maps outperformed students using the standard computer-delivered static maps. The findings will be discussed especially those pertaining to the imbedded features of animated maps as a new approach of teaching geography that challenges and enhances student understanding.