This study investigated the use of Google Maps as an instructional tool in Earth Science. A conveniently sampled senior high school class (n=34) participated in a formative online Google Map activity. The students inferred the location of landforms usually associated with faults using the Terrain view of Google Maps during the pre-lecture and intervention phase. A short lecture explaining how these land features can possibly be deduced using Google Maps followed. After the lecture, the students re-observed the maps with Google Maps, reexamined their previous answers and modified them, if necessary. After the activity, the students answered a self-evaluation form (SEF) which sought to gather their insights regarding the use of Google Maps in their Earth science class. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents expressed positive attitudes toward using Google Maps in classroom learning. They have had meaningful engagement with this online geospatial tool in their lessons in Earth science. However, challenges such as slow internet connection and limited exposure and practice were also noted by the students. Future researchers may look into the application of Google Maps in other lessons or learning competencies, a wider coverage among schools, and the integration of other geotechnologies in teaching the Earth sciences.
Keywords: Earth science; Google Maps; online mapssenior high school; teaching[1] Adaktylou, N.E., Landenberger, R.E., Czajkowski, K.P., Liu, P., Hedley, M.L., & Struble, J. (2018). Using geospatial technology to enhance science teaching and learning: a case study for ‘SATELLITES’ Geo-science Program. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 13(7), 605-621. Retrieved from http://www.ijese.net/makale_indir/IJESE_2072_article_5b86464383592.pdf
[2] Ahmed, Y., Taha, M.H., Al-Neel, S., & Gaffar, A.M. (2018). Students’ perception of the learning environment and its relation to their study year and performance in Sudan. International Journal of Medical Education, 9, 145-150. https://dx.doi.org/10.5116/ijme.5af0.1fee
[3] Awada, G. & Diab, H.B. (2018). The effect of Google Earth and Wiki models on oral presentation skills of university EFL learners. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 30(1), 36-46. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1169829.pdf
[4] Baker, T.R., Battersby,S., Bednarz, S.W., Bodzin, A.M., Kolvoord, B., Moore, S., Sinton, D., & Uttal, D. (2015). A research agenda for geospatial technologies and learning. Journal of Geography, 114(3), 118-130. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2014.950684
[5] Bandibas, J. & PHIVOLCS. (2019). The PHIVOLCS FaultFinder (Version 9.0). [Mobile application software], https://play.google.com
[6] Bednarz, R.S. & Lee, J. (2018). The components of spatial thinking: empirical evidence. Boletim Paulista de Geografia, 99, 161-168. https://www.agb.org.br/publicacoes/index.php/boletim-paulista/article/viewFile/1473/1343
[7] Bodzin, A.M. (2011). The implementation of a Geospatial Information Technology (GIT)-supported land use change curriculum with urban middle school learners to promote spatial thinking. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 48(3), 281-300. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20409
[8] Bodzin, A.M., Fu, Q., Bressler, D., & Vallera, F.L. (2015). Examining the enactment of Web GIS on students` geospatial thinking and reasoning and tectonics understandings. Computers in the Schools, 32(1), 63-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2015.1004278
[9] Bodzin, A.M., Fu,Q., Kulo, V., & Peffer, T. (2014). Examining the effect of enactment of a geospatial curriculum on students` geospatial thinking and reasoning. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 23(4), 562-574. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/24019743
[10] Bonifacio, A.L. (2013). Developing information communication technology (ICT) curriculum standards for K-12 schools in the Philippines. Proceedings of the LINC 2013 Conference. Retrieved from https://linc.mit.edu/linc2013/proceedings/Session7/Session7Bonifacio.pdf
[11] Chen, K. H., & Bürgmann, R. (2017). Creeping faults: good news, bad news?. Reviews of Geophysics, 55(2), 282–286. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017RG000565
[12] Chen, R.F., Lin, C.W., Chen, Y.H., He, T.C., & Fei, L.Y. (2015). Detecting and characterizing active thrust fault and deep-seated landslides in dense forest areas of Southern Taiwan using airborne LiDAR DEM. Remote Sensing, 7(11), 15443-15466. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs71115443
[13] Corrales-Serrano, M., Sánchez-Martín, J., Moreno-Losada, J., Zamora-Polo, F. (2019). GIS in the history classroom: displaying the walls of Elvas and Badajoz through the use of Google Earth. Proceedings, 38(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2019038002
[14] Darling-Hammond, L., Flook, L., Cook-Harvey, C., Barron, B., & Osher, D. (2020). Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791
[15] Delparte, D. M., Richardson, R.T., Eitel, K.B., Matsaw, S. Jr., & Cohn, T. (2016). Promoting geoscience STEM interest in Native American students: GIS, geovisualization and reconceptualizing spatial thinking skills. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 15(5), 1-15. Retrieved from https://www.ijlter.org/index.php/ijlter/article/viewFile/622/300
[16] Demirci, A., Karaburun, A, & Kılar, H. (2013). Using Google Earth as an educational tool in secondary school geography lessons. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 22(4), 277-290. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2013.846700
[17] Demirci, A., Karaburun, A., Ünlü, M., & Özey, R. (2011). Using GIS-based projects in learning: students help disabled pedestrians in their school district. European Journal of Geography, 2(2), 48-61. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293332586_Using_GIS-based_projects_in_learning_Students_help_disabled_pedestrians_in_their_school_district
[18] DepEd. (2013). K to 12 Senior High School Core Curriculum - Earth Science Curriculum Guide. Retrieved from https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SHS-Core_Earth-Science-CG.pdf
[19] DepEd. (2016). DepEd Order No. 42, s. 2016: Policy Guidelines on Daily Lesson Preparation for the K to 12 Basic Education Program. Retrieved from https://depedtambayan.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DO_s2016_042.pdf
[20] Dodsworth, E., & Nicholson, A. (2012). Academic uses of Google Earth and Google Maps in a library setting. Information Technology and Libraries, 31(2), 102-117. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v31i2.1848
[21] Dotong, C.I., De Castro, E.L., Dolot, J.A., & Prenda, M.T.B. (2016). Barriers for educational technology integration in contemporary classroom environment. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences, 3(2), 13-20. Retrieved from http://apjeas.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/APJEAS-2016.3.2.03.pdf
[22] Dove, J. & Hill, S. (2020 April 1). How to use Google Maps. https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-use-google-maps/
[23] Ferreira, J.M., Soini, T., Kupiainen, R., & Salum, A.C. (2019).What is learning for secondary-school students? Students’ perceptions examined in Brazil and Finland. Social Psychology of Education, 22, 447–470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-019-09479-5
[24] Google. (2018). [Google Maps image showing the Quezon City-Marikina City-Rizal area]. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@14.6613445,121.0316512,11z/data=!5m1!1e4
[25] Guertin, L. & Neville, S. (2011). Utilizing Google Earth to teach students about global oil spill disasters. Science Activities, 48(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2010.509375
[26] Hamdanah, H., Rohmat, D., & Setiawan, I. (2020). Google Earth utilization in increasing spatial literacy of high school students. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Elementary Education, 2(1), 436-446. Retrieved from http://proceedings.upi.edu/index.php/icee/article/view/647/562
[27] Henry, P. & Semple, H. (2012). Integrating online GIS into the K–12 curricula: lessons from the development of a collaborative GIS in Michigan. Journal of Geography, 111(1), 3-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2011.549237
[28] Huggett, R.J. (2011). Fundamentals of Geomorphology (3rd Ed.). New York: Routledge
[29] Huynh, N.T., & Sharpe, B. (2013). An assessment instrument to measure geospatial thinking expertise. Journal of Geography, 112(1), 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2012.682227
[30] Jakab, I., Ševčík, M., & Grežo, H. (2017). Model of higher GIS education. The Electronic Journal of eLearning, 15(3), 220-234. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1146038.pdf
[31] Jo, I., Hong, J.E., & Verma, K. (2016). Facilitating spatial thinking in world geography using Web-based GIS. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 40(3), 442-459. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2016.1150439
[32] Johnson, N.D., Lang, N.P., & Zophy, K.T. (2011) Overcoming assessment problems in Google Earth-based assignments. Journal of Geoscience Education, 59(3), 99-105. https://doi.org/10.5408/1.3604822
[33] Kang, S.H.K. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: policy implications for instruction. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215624708
[34] Kerski, J.J. (2011). Sleepwalking into the future–The case for spatial analysis throughout education. In Learning with GI: Implementing digital earth in education, T. Jekel, A. Koller, K. Donert, and R. Vogler (Eds.), 2–11. Berlin: Wichmann. Retrieved from http://gispoint.de/fileadmin/user_upload/paper_gis_open/537510017.pdf
[35] Lee, M. (2010). A political economic critique of Google Maps and Google Earth. Information, Communication & Society, 13(6), 909-928. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691180903456520
[36] Lee, J., & Bednarz, R. (2012). Components of spatial thinking: evidence from a spatial thinking ability test. Journal of Geography, 111(1), 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2011.583262
[37] Lee, S. W. Y., Tsai, C. C., Wu, Y. T., Tsai, M. J., Liu, T. C., Hwang, F. K., Lai, C.H., Liang, J.C., Wu, H.C., & Chang, C. Y. (2011). Internet-based science learning: A review of journal publications. International Journal of Science Education, 33(14), 1893–1925. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2010.536998
[38] Liptak, A. (2018 August 5). Google Maps now depicts the Earth as a globe. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/5/17653122/google-maps-update-mercator-projection-earth-isnt-flat
[39] Mapuranga, B., Musingafi, M.C.C. & Zebron, S. (2015). Students perceptions on factors that affect their academic performance: the case of Great Zimbabwe University (GZU). Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18), 1-5. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1079724.pdf
[40] Marra, W.A., van de Grint, L., Alberti, K. & Karssenberg, D. (2017). Using GIS in an Earth Sciences field course for quantitative exploration, data management and digital mapping. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 41(2), 213-229. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2017.1291587
[41] Merç, A., & Ersoy, A. (2019). The effectiveness of Google Earth in the acquisition of spatial perception ability in social studies courses. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 11(4), 299-307. Retrieved from https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/article/view/642
[42] Ocampo, D.S. (2014 January 30). The K to 12 Curriculum. Retrieved from http://industry.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/6th-TID-Usec.-Ocampos-Presentation-on-K-to-12.pdf
[43] Pechenkina, E. & Aeschliman, C. (2017). What do students want? Making sense of student preferences in technology-enhanced learning. Contemporary Educational Technology, 8(1), 26-39. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1126820.pdf
[44] Putra, W.D.P. & Setyaningrum, W. (2018). The effect of edutainment toward students` interest in learning mathematics. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1097. 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1097/1/012120
[45] R.A. 10533. An act enhancing the Philippine basic education system by strengthening its curriculum and increasing the number of years for basic education, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/05/15/republic-act-no-10533/
[46] Ratinen, I. & Keinonen, T. (2011). Student-teachers’ use of Google Earth in problem-based geology learning. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 20(4), 345-358. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2011.619811
[47] Riihelä, J. & Mäki, S. (2015). Designing and implementing an online GIS tool for schools: The Finnish case of the PaikkaOppi Project. Journal of Geography, 114(1), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2014.897362
[48] Rijo, D. (2020 February 15). Google Maps now used by over 1 billion people every month. Retrieved from https://ppc.land/google-maps-now-used-by-over-1-billion-people-every-month/
[49] Rimando, J. M., Aurelio, M. A., Dianala, J. D. B., Taguibao, K. J. L., Agustin, K. M. C., Berador, A. E. G., & Vasquez, A. A. (2019). Coseismic ground rupture of the 15 October 2013 magnitude (MW) 7.2 Bohol earthquake, Bohol Island, central Philippines. Tectonics, 38(8), 2558–2580. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019TC005503
[50] Rimando, R.E., & Knuepfer, P.L.K. (2006). Neotectonics of the Marikina Valley fault system (MVFS) and tectonic framework of structures in northern and central Luzon, Philippines. Tectonophysics, 415, 17-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2005.11.009
[51] Sadeghi, K. & Dousti, M. (2013). The effect of length of exposure to CALL Technology on young Iranian EFL learners’ grammar gain. English Language Teaching, 6(2), 14-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n2p14
[52] Smetana, L.K. & Bell, R.L. (2012). Computer simulations to support science instruction and learning: a critical review of the literature. International Journal of Science Education, 34(9), 1337-1370. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.605182
[53] Tan G.C.I., & Chen Q.F.J. (2015). An Assessment of the Use of GIS in Teaching. In: Muñiz Solari O., Demirci A., Schee J. (eds) Geospatial Technologies and Geography Education in a Changing World. Advances in Geographical and Environmental Sciences. Tokyo: Springer
[54] Yu, L. & Gong, P. (2012). Google Earth as a virtual globe tool for Earth science applications at the global scale: progress and perspectives. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 33(12), 3966-3986. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2011.636081
[55] Zwartjes, L., de Lázaro, M.L., Donert, K., Sánchez, I.B., González, R.D.M., & Woloszyńska-Wiśniewska, E. (2016). Literature review on spatial thinking. GI Learner. Retrieved from http://www.gilearner.ugent.be/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GI-Learner-SpatialThinkingReview.pdf