Geolocation for the Improvement of Spatial and Naturalist Intelligence in Primary Education

Abstract

Geolocation provides a new learning model by combining physical and digital content, creating an enriched and interactive universe. This mobile technology offers new opportunities for the promotion of learning inside and outside the classroom, linked to multiple intelligences, in particular, to the spatial and naturalistic intelligences. Taking these premises into account, an analysis of several geolocation applications (N=20) is carried out in order to determine their potential to develop spatial and naturalistic intelligences. To this end, case study methodology is adopted, and an analysis instrument is proposed consisting of 15 indicators grouped into three dimensions: 1) geolocation, 2) spatial intelligence (spatial orientation and spatial representation), and 3) naturalistic intelligence (physical geography and environment). Although the geolocation applications analyzed boost spatial intelligence through the different options they incorporate, the same cannot be said of the naturalist one. It is considered relevant that they include contents oriented to environmental awareness.