Virtual geography : using the World Wide Web as an additional resource in secondary school geography

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the possibilities offered by the Internet to make geographical learning more relevant to students. To date, the industrialised world is still exploring the power of the Internet as a resource in education. The Internet provides Maltese students with a vast range of geographical information, which is mainly based within foreign contexts and examination syllabi. This is also the case with the textbooks commonly used in Maltese state and private schools. This perceived deficiency inspired us to construct a Geography educational Web site ('Virtual Geography' www.geocities.com/virtualgeography) that follows the Maltese secondary school geography syllabus and is based on the Maltese context. Due to restrictions in time and resources our site focuses on the topic 'The Sea' as a sample of a much more comprehensive Web site. It consists of eight sections, namely 'Notes', 'Games', 'Glossary', 'Fieldwork Ideas', 'FAQ', 'Feedback and Comments', 'Exam Questions', and 'Further Links'. In this site, learning through exploration plays an important role as highlighted by the Constructivist Learning Theory. Motivation is also fundamental to attract users to our Web site. This was addressed through the content, design and methodology applied. The effectiveness of this Web site was also evaluated through three focus groups, questionnaires and continuous feedback received by e-mail. The overall opinion of all participants, who include students, teachers and others, was that 'Virtual Geography' is a useful site, ideal for students' self-learning and as a teaching aid. 'Virtual Geography' succeeded in being a useful additional resource, which corresponds to students' lifestyles.