Using video case studies to assess the impact of the use of GIS on secondary students’ spatial thinking skills Robert

We present the analysis of video case studies of students using geographic information systems (GIS) software to address sophisticated, locally-based problems in a secondary school course. Students show evidence of complex problem definition, hands on resolutions to conceptual and technological issues through the application of advanced geospatial processing, and choice of representations in their work, as well as the application of advanced geospatial processing. We are also conducting a quantitative study of the evolution of the students’ use of spatial language and gesture through the course. Geospatial tools such as GIS demonstrate considerable promise in building students’ ability to conceptualize and solve complicated problems with a spatial component, and the resulting spatial gains may benefit students in other scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical (STEM) domains.