Students´ Perceptions of Using Story Maps in Geography Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Geography is the science of space. Students must understand geographic patterns, relationships, and context over the Earth to acquire a spatial perspective and geographical knowledge and skills. Geotechnologies play an important role in reaching those geographic contents and promote spatial thinking. Mapping tools have an unprecedent growth due to the internet development. Teachers can use the potential of geographic information systems (GIS), 2D interactive maps, and 3D virtual globes to teach geography and promote interdisciplinarity. This chapter envisages students' perceptions on using web mapping tools in the process of teaching and learning. Results were obtained by a survey implemented to 30 students of initial teachers training class. Students had to implement a story map during the semester for practical assessment. Students revealed that they had never used story maps before, despite their potential for teaching and learning process and recent developments.