Information and communication technologies can be a greatly enriching resource in the teaching and learning of geography. Among the ways in which they may be used are the following:
- data-handling programs can be used by children to record and analyse substantial records or bodies of information. For example, children might enter data collected about traffic flows, the use of land areas, weather observations or other geographical phenomena into a data-base. The computer may then be used to analyse the information, look for patterns and present the findings in graphical format
many programs are available to introduce children to mapping concepts. Some of these allow children to look at scenes and then to view the area in aerial perspective. Children may be required to match items in the scene with their representation on the map and the complexity of the task may be varied to cope with the different learning speeds of individual pupils. Some of the best of these programs supply the child with a map and a set of instructions for completing a journey: the child may then attempt to complete the journey using the map and at each stopping place the computer allows the child to look at the view to the north, south, east and west. In this way the child is encouraged to relate the 2-D map representation to the 3-D environment in the context of a game- word-processing and drawing programs give the child another means of communicating his/her geographical findings. By allowing redrafting, editing and correction to be completed so readily, computers can encourage the child who may not find conventional written work satisfactory
- information technology can greatly enrich the range of sources and information available to the child. Many CD-ROMs which include information about a wide range of environments and the peoples and other living things to be found there may be used. CD ROMs also include environmental sounds and provide an added dimension to the sense of place which may be explored by the child. Many reference books are available in CD ROM format
a growing range of atlases is becoming available in CD-ROM format. These atlases can store a much greater range of maps than conventional atlases and have the added advantage of allowing pictures and other data concerning places to be included- weather-recording instruments which may be connected to and monitored via a relatively simple personal computer are available. A set of electronic instruments to record maximum and minimum temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind speed and direction in this way is available for school use. While such equipment is likely to be beyond the resources of many primary schools, teachers may find that it is in use in post-primary schools, and sharing of the data collected may be possible
- using the internet can give children access to an even greater range of sources. An increasing number of interpretative centres, industries, organisations, charities and NGOs, meteorological agencies, embassies, government departments and other bodies have web pages and children can 'visit' these via the computer
- the internet can also give children an added incentive for geographical research. Some schools have established links with other schools and classes and have shared details of their projects and investigations via e-mail. For example, children can share and compare weather observations using this method.