Browsing by Author "Anttila, Susanna"

The purpose of this study is to establish the readiness of high school geography teachers in teaching information and communication technology (ICT), with a particular focus on teaching the use of Google Earth. The aim was to acquire the first research results on the use of Google Earth in teaching, user experiences, and factors that may increase its use. Furthermore, the purpose of the game experiment was to raise awareness of the suitability of Google Earth for teaching, and of the possibilities of using games in high school geography tuition. The skills and attitudes of Finnish high school geography teachers (n = 103) were charted using an electronic survey. The game trial (n = 31) was implemented as a field experiment in a first year geography class at a high school in Helsinki. Two of the teachers teaching the course were also interviewed. The results were analysed using a statistical analysis program and presented through graphs and citations. Based on the study, the teachers' IT skills were good, but heterogeneous. Teacher training had not equipped the teachers sufficiently in using technology; instead, their practical skills had been acquired through self-study, supplementary training, and peer support. The majority of the teachers used Google Earth in their classes. Google Earth is ideal for high school lessons, particularly for teaching geographical thinking and geoinformatics, due to its ease of use, versatility, and the fact that it is free of charge. Its use was however very occasional and mostly teacher-led. Student directed use was most prominent during the regional studies (GE4) course. The Google Earth learning game on vegetation zones increased student motivation and positively influenced the learning process. Teachers and students alike were interested in using Google Earth as one of the high school geography learning environments in the future. Geography teachers expressed a need for supplementary training that is practical in nature, and for ready-made teaching ideas and exercises to increase the use of Google Earth. To enable this, supplementary training must be equally developed in all parts of Finland, and the applicability of today's teacher training to the demands of the job of a teacher should be reviewed. The new national high school curriculum, the soon-to-be electronic matriculation examinations as well as the new distribution of lessons enables discussion on the central content and objectives of geography tuition, especially on the portion of geoinformatics as well as ICT.