The use of spatial technologies is integrated into content descriptions and achievement standards in the Victorian Curriculum: Geography and also the Australian Curriculum: Geography.

In the Victorian Curriculum, spatial technologies feature in the Geographical Concepts and Skills strand, Data and Information sub-strand in Levels 5–10. Achievement Standards at Levels 5–8 explicitly specify that students will “use digital and spatial technologies to represent and analyse data and information.” At Levels 9–10, it states students will be able to “analyse and evaluate geographical data, maps and information using digital and spatial technologies and Geographical Information Systems as appropriate to develop identifications, descriptions, explanations and conclusions that use geographical terminology.”

In the Australian Curriculum, spatial technology use is explicitly specified in the Geographical Inquiry and Skills strand.

This module will provide you with a description and explanation of various types of spatial technologies and their application in Geography skills. It provides numerous opportunities to apply different technologies.

Spatial technology is particularly focused on using data, tools, and information in Geography instruction.  However, knowing how to use the tools is not the end goal—rather, the tools and data are always used in the context of examining a real place, region, issue, or phenomena in the physical or cultural world.  Therefore, Geography content, knowledge about places, regions and themes are enhanced simultaneously as the technologies are used.

The use and application of spatial thinking and spatial technologies in Geography build a holistic understanding of the world. In this sense, aspects of Geography are a component of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), fostering the development and application of distinctive STEM skills and providing Geography students with clear pathways to further study and STEM careers.

This module presents an explanation for what spatial technology is, how it can be used in Geography instruction and provides many opportunities for hands-on exploration of the tools and data sets. It provides suggestions on further resources to examine to gain more information on the relevant skills and perspectives.

Self assessment tasks with suggested answers are included. Some of the self assessment tasks will require access to the internet. Other self assessment tasks are based on the data provided in the module. There are also several self-assessing quizzes in this module – participants have two attempts at each quiz and are then provided with the correct answers for each.

The formal assessment task requires teachers to record each of the spatial technologies used in this module and outline how each may be used to enhance their Geography teaching and the learning opportunities for their students.

Please note:

Due to the interactive and instructional nature of the activities, and the large number of spatial technology tools referred to, this module takes more time to complete than the other three modules in this course. Please allow time to become familiar with each tool and instruction.

To help you in this task, a number of PDF documents can be downloaded and many instructional videos have been developed to assist you with the tasks.

Due to the number of tools and levels of complexity of some tools, teachers are able to choose which to complete in detail for their formal assessment task.

Winner: 2019 Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) Award
Category: Geography education resource

Spatial technology course summary

1. An introduction to Geospatial technologies

2. Using spatial technology in Geography

3. Analysing change over space and time

4. Exploring regions

5. Mapping your own data

6. Analysis and synthesis

7. Formal assessment

Time required

This module has been designed to be completed over 8 to 10 weeks. Participants can choose to complete one component each week which will take between 2 and 3.5 hours to read and finish the tasks. The formal assessment will take about 2 – 4 hours to complete depending on the spatial technology tools chosen.

These suggested timings are a guide only and teachers can complete the module more quickly if they wish and have the time to do so.

Assessment

Each component includes self-assessment tasks. The formal assessment task at the end of the course will draw on the knowledge and skills gained throughout the module. This final task will be emailed to the GTAV for formal assessing.

A certificate of completion will be awarded on the successful completion of the formal assessment task.

Cost

This module costs $250.

Note: All current GTAV members will receive a 20% rebate after each course has been purchased.