The Digital Versatile Disc as a Learning Support Medium in the Teaching and Learning of Map Work

Abstract

This article describes the results of a study where the digital versatile disc (DVD) was used as a variant of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to aid in the teaching and learning of map work in geography at secondary school level. A group of grade 10 learners of a previously disadvantaged school in South Africa comprised the target group for the project. A case study was conducted and data was gathered on the implementation of the DVD and the learners' perceptions thereof. Qualitative analysis techniques such as field notes, observation, interviews with the learners, and questionnaires were used to analyze the effectiveness of the implementation of the DVD as well as the learners' perceptions regarding the use of the DVD in geography education. The results of the study indicated that the geography learners demonstrated positive attitudes towards the implementation of the DVD as a learning support medium. To determine the contribution of the DVD project towards the achieved results of the learners in map work, both the experimental and control groups participated in a pre- and post-test at the beginning and conclusion of the project. Effect size was used to determine the significance of the differences between the two groups and indicates a strong practical significance regarding the contribution of the DVD project towards the achieved test results of the learners.     

Twisted Film,or: How I Learned to Stop the Movie and Teach the Truth

Abstract

The 1996 blockbuster Twister both entertained and exasperated geographers. Misrepresentations and unsafe field practices resonated deeply; still, the film possesses relevance for educators. Science-based reviews illuminating on-screen inconsistencies and pseudoscience might surprise students accepting movies at face value. This article uses a disaster movie to teach beneficial concepts, definitions, and insight by identifying, elaborating on, and correcting important ideas, dialogue, and terminology. It includes experienced commentary on storm chasing. Chasers must work together using latest technologies to remotely sense environments of future tornadoes during minutes preceding formation. Unlike movies, the mantra for students chasing should be “safety first.”     

Mindful Learning in Geography: Cultivating Balanced Attitudes Toward Regions

This study examines the potential of mindful learning in geography education. A hypothesis was developed to form the research topic, and three experiments were performed to analyze it. The experiments supported the hypothesis. In other words, mindful learning was found to be helpful for cultivating balanced attitudes toward regions. In conclusion, mindful learning has the potential to be a simple but helpful method of geography education.     

Geographical Publications

Abstract

Project Marco Polo provided the opportunity for teachers and students to experience Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean firsthand through the lens of a geographer, archeologist, and oceanographer. The National Geographic Society and U.S. Navy collaborated to provide meaningful applied geography field experiences for teacher and student participants. In addition, participants developed a global perspective which enabled them to better understand the interrelationship of the region's diverse cultures and lands.     

Geographical Publications

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the geography of poverty in the state of Illinois and to use these empirical results as a basis for classroom discussions and exercises intended to involve students in the current debate on poverty. Although poverty is generally associated with inner city locations, our results indicate that poverty levels are higher in rural areas, particularly those that are not adjacent to metropolitan locations. The prevalence of low-wage employment and the growing number of single-parent families in rural areas are closely linked to increased poverty. Student surveys and the presentation of data were successful in generating discussion among undergraduate students at Western Illinois University. Student comments revealed a high degree of concern about poverty and sensitivity to the circumstances of the poor.     

Friends in High Places

Abstract

“Friends in High Places” is a group activity designed to integrate geography with other social studies disciplines such as government, political science, American history, and world issues. It is necessary to consider geography when shaping foreign policy because the formulation of foreign policy requires of its very nature reaching out from our borders like a worldwide network of nerve fibers. As chief diplomat, the President conducts foreign affairs including 1) the initiation of foreign policy, 2) the recognition of new foreign governments, and 3) the making of treaties.     

Professor Just Gjessing: ‘A journey with a purpose’

Based on a commemorative speech given at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters on 9 February 2006, the article provides an account of the geographical career of Professor Just Gjessing at the University of Oslo from 1950 until his death in 2005.     

区域地理与系统地理二元论的演变及其透析

地理学是一门追求普适性的学科,还是强调其独特性,这个"普适"与"例外"的问题曾引起地理学史上最大的方法论争论。它反映出系统地理学与区域地理学的二元论。系统地理学家强调地理学追求一般法则,区域学派则认为研究独特的区域是地理学的核心。这种二元论争论在古希腊时代就初见端倪,"舍费尔—哈特向之争"则使其达到顶点。对争论的历史根源和发展演变的分析表明:虽然两个学派的代表人物哈特向和舍费尔都至少在形式上反对只强调系统和区域中的一个而忽视另一个的做法,但是他们的兴趣、价值观导致的偏好和地理学史观的重大分歧,使他们最终对区域地理和系统地理的倾向不一样。20世纪80年代的"哈特—格里奇之争"只是这种二元论的一个余波。其后,多元主义方法论的兴起使得这种二元论争论逐渐淡出人们的视野,但后现代地理学聚焦于"批判的区域研究",实质上仍是这种争论在新时代的变种。中国地理学界缺乏此种争论,原因可能在于"实用主义"的学术导向、学术环境、学术评价体制、折中调和的理论构建方式等。这不利于中国地理学自立于世界学术之林。     

地理学思想变革的案例剖析:哈维的学术转型

大卫·哈维的学术转型是当代西方地理学发展的一个重要现象,也是地理学思想创新的一个典型案例.本文聚焦于哈维空间观的转型,通过解析哈维学术转型的代表论著,认为哈维关于空间的认识论立场主要经历了以实证主义相对空间观为主的“多维”空间观、“社会过程一空间形式”统一体、历史一地理唯物主义空间体系三个阶段.这三个阶段基本对应于他作为实证主义、激进主义、马克思主义地理学代表人物的历史.导致哈维学术转型的原因主要是剧变的社会政治环境、其个人禀赋和志趣、工作环境、地理学学科发展状况等.哈维的学术转型对中国地理学理论和方法创新具有重要借鉴意义,启示我们正确对待逻辑实证主义地理学;直面现实社会重大问题,洞察其深层次原因并建树理论;以“独立之精神,自由之思想”为学术研究和社会发展做出应有的贡献.     

地理学第一定律之争及其对地理学理论建设的启示

地理学理论尤其是定律的争论, 实质上反映着不同时代背景下地理学认识的发展, TFL(Tobler''s First Law of Geography)之争就是一个典型案例。在这场争论中, 地理学理论的建设超出了传统的以科学哲学为基础的理论思考, 出现了科学社会学对地理学理论的反思这一新的视角。以TFL的合理性为基础, 地理学家论证了TFL在匀质空间和非匀质空间中的合理性, 并强化了地理学的时间和空间维度。在论证过程中, 早期的例外论之争、计量革命和理论革命都被提及, 而其关联的基础之一是GIS和GISscience的发展及其对现代空间的表述和解读。而且, TFL之争以“邻近”为核心, 在理论上与研究维度、尺度及其转换和时间地理学结合起来, 构建了以“邻近”为核心的“维度-尺度-地域”关系体系。