Information didactic application as a tool for distance geographical education in higher education institutions

Abstract

Educational information and communication technologies (ICTs) allow the enhancement of the visualization of geographical information by integrating different data formats and technological methods of working with them: numerical and textual data formats, animation, graphics, multimedia files hyper-texts, etc. The usage of ICTs makes the presentation of subject material more understandable and accessible. In the case of distance education, automated test software applications are generally becoming the main means of control and assessment. Automated test software applications use the capabilities of network and multimedia technologies, which affects the efficiency of the survey procedure and the visual clarity of the tasks set in the test questions. The purpose of this article is to present a convenient tool for testing subject knowledge in the form of the information didactic application «Geographical Minimum». The application’s main feature is to facilitate the procedure for monitoring and assessing students’ subject knowledge. The Geographical Minimum application is designed to be used in testing and simulator modes for self-preparation and consolidation of acquired knowledge, etc. The simulator mode is configured separately by adjusting the application code. The application integrates the ability to work with geographical maps and knowledge of geographical nomenclature within the academic disciplines. The didactic application is developed by the methodology of a statistical test system, in which prepared test tasks are offered to the user in a pre-established or random order. The information and communication platform in the case of a test application can be any available device, namely, personal computers, tablets, or smartphones with Internet access. Internet access is necessary to maintain communication and exchange data between participants in the learning process. The application itself is easy to download, and install and can be used offline as well. In general, users are positive about the app «Geographical Minimum» application for diagnosing geographical knowledge is a simple technology that does not require a thorough knowledge of computer programs, and which any teacher, if desired and technically capable, can begin to use in their teaching activities.