Distance learning GIS in the context of a participatory virtual model

Abstract

The progressive introduction of the new communications technologies in the field of education is altering many of the traditional educational approaches, up to the point of forcing the teaching staff, as the essential driving force of the pedagogical process, to bear in mind how these affect the strategy of learning the new forms of communication, and the development of teaching materials and resources. The typical model of teaching by attendance, based in direct teacher-pupil contact, is on its way to being transformed into a new model, supported by the virtual formative environment, although this is distant, more flexible, and efficient in some of its aspects.

These virtual environments offer teaching some possibilities of communication that affect the form of transmitting knowledge, and also affect teaching resources and related educational strategies. These new circumstances permit the use of the e-learning methodology in teaching certain specific matters, such as “Geographical Information Systems”, which, due to their peculiar features, adapt well to the use of an educational model of this nature. In this sense, we set out a series of suggestions and recommendations for the preparation of a virtual course about G.I.S,. in the work that we present.

Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Volumen 8, Número 1 Primavera, 2015; 89-109