Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

Special thanks to Geog 420 students, especially Stanley Mubako for assisting with the survey and Kara Scott for proof reading the manuscript. Special appreciation to Professors Kenneth Foote of University of Colorado at Boulder and Frackson Mumba, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Science Education Curriculum Expert, College of Education and Human Services for their useful advice, comments, and suggestions. All research was approved by the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Human Investigation Review Board in accordance with national and institutional guidelines for the protection of human subjects. This paper presents a creative case-based modern-style pedagogical approach for teaching and learning advanced technical concepts in geographic information systems (GIS) using classroom observations covering an eight-year study period, 2004-2011. Assessment data was collected and analyzed to provide useful insights about this approach. Included in this paper are results of specific case studies that were analyzed using a sample of students between 2004 and 2006. The assessment data and respondents consistently indicated that a case study approach offered them an excellent and enabling environment to learn advanced technical concepts. These findings support the use of a case-based modern-style pedagogical method because it does not only promote a student's desire to learn and discover new concepts, but also allows them to be actively involved in finding rea