Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Preparing Teachers to Use GIS: The Impact of a Hybrid Professional Development Program on Teachers’ Use of GIS

  • Published:
Journal of Science Education and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a 3-year study of a hybrid professional development program designed to prepare science and mathematics teachers to implement GIS in their classrooms. The study was conducted as part of the CoastLines Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers project funded by the National Science Foundation. Three cohorts of teachers participated in the program, with each participant receiving 40 h of synchronous online instruction and 80 h of in-person instruction and support over an 8-month period. Data from surveys of participants both before and after the program were analyzed using correlation, ordinary least squares, and ordered logit regression analyses. The analyses revealed increases in the self-reported frequency of GIS use and enhanced feelings of preparation, competence, community, and comfort with respect to using GIS for instruction. A composite index of all impact variables was positively influenced as well. The statistical analyses found a strong relationship between self-reported feelings of preparation and use of GIS. Some support was found for the idea that feelings of competence, community, and comfort were related to the teachers’ sense of preparation. The findings suggest that a robust hybrid model of teacher professional development can prepare teachers to use GIS in their classrooms. More research is needed to understand how hybrid models influence the sociopsychological and other dimensions that support teachers’ feelings of preparation to implement GIS.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aharony N (2014) The effect of personal and situational factors on LIS students’ and professionals’ intentions to use e-books. Library & Information Science Research 36(2):106–113. doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2014.01.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Albion P (1999) Self-efficacy beliefs as an indicator of teachers’ preparedness for teaching with technology. In: Proceedings of the 10th international conference of the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (SITE 1999). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), pp 1602–1608

  • Alexander PA (2003) The development of expertise: the journey from acclimation to proficiency. Educational Researcher 32(8):10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Audet RH, Paris J (1997) GIS implementation model for schools: assessing the critical concerns. J Geogr 96(6):293–300. doi:10.1080/00221349708978810

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker TR, Palmer AM, Kerski JJ (2009) A national survey to examine teacher professional development and implementation of desktop GIS. J Geogr 108(4):12

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker TR, Battersby S, Bednarz SW, Bodzin AM, Kolvoord B, Moore S et al (2015) A research agenda for geospatial technologies and learning. J Geogr. doi:10.1080/00221341.2014.950684

    Google Scholar 

  • Bednarz SW (2004) Geographic information systems: a tool to support geography and environmental studies? GeoJournal 60:191–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bednarz SW, Audet RH (1999) The status of GIS technology in teacher preparation programs. J Geogr 98(2):60–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bednarz RS, Bednarz SW (2004) Geography education: the glass is half full and it’s getting fuller. Prof Geogr 56(1):22–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyle B, Lamprianou I, Boyle T (2005) A longitudinal study of teacher change: what makes professional development effective? Report of the second year of the study. Sch Eff Sch Improv 16(1):1–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bybee RW, Taylor JA, Gardner A, Van Scotter P, Powell JC et al (2006) The BSCS 5E instructional model: origins and effectiveness. http://www.bscs.org/library/BSCS_5E_Model_Full_Report2006.pdf. Accessed 13 Nov 2006

  • Campbell DT, Stanley JC (1963) Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research. Houghton Mifflin, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Challoo L, Green M, Maxwell G (2011) Attitudinal factors contributing to teacher stage of adoption of technology in rural South Texas: a path analysis. J Technol Integr Classr 3(1):33–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Crocker L, Algina J (1986) Introduction to classical and modern test theory. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Orlando

    Google Scholar 

  • Dede C, Jass Ketelhut D, Whitehouse P, Breit L, McCloskey EM (2009) A research agenda for online teacher professional development. J Teach Educ 60(1):8–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demirci A (2008) Evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of GIS-based application in secondary school geography lessons. Am J Appl Sci 5(3):169–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donovan MS, Bransford JD (eds) (2005) How students learn: history, mathematics, and science in the classroom. National Research Council, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • Dooley, KE (1999) Towards a holistic model for the diffusion of educational technologies: an integrative review of educational innovation studies. Educ Technol Soc, 2(4):34–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards JR (2001) Ten difference score myths. Organ Res Methods 4(3):265–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ertmer PA (2005) Teacher pedagogical beliefs: the final frontier in our quest for technology integration? Educ Tech Res Dev 53(4):25–39. doi:10.1007/BF02504683

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fishman B, Konstantopoulos S, Kubitskey BW, Vath R, Park G, Johnson H et al (2013) Comparing the impact of online and face-to-face professional development in the context of curriculum implementation. J Teach Educ 64(5):426–438. doi:10.1177/0022487113494413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garet MS, Potter AC, Desimone L, Birman BF, Yoon KS (2001) What makes professional development effective? Results from a national sample of teachers. Am Educ Res J 38(4):915–945

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrison DR, Anderson T, Archer W (2001) Critical thinking, cognitive presence, and computer conferencing in distance education. Am J Dis Educ 15(1):7–23. doi:10.1080/08923640109527071

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guskey TR, Yoon KS (2009) What works in professional development? Phi Delta Kappan 90(7):495–500

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hauselt P, Helzer J (2012) Integration of geospatial science in teacher education. J Geogr 111(5):163–172. doi:10.1080/00221341.2011.638722

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hew KF, Brush T (2007) Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educ Tech Res Dev 55(3):223–252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kerski JJ (2003) The implementation and effectiveness of geographic information systems technology and methods in secondary education. J Geogr 102(3):128–137. doi:10.1080/00221340308978534

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kolvoord R, Uttal D (2012) Does GIS impact students’ spatial thinking skills? Paper presented at the ESRI education user conference, San Diego, CA

  • Kolvoord R, Uttal DH, Meadow NG (2011) Using video case studies to assess the impact of the use of GIS on secondary students’ spatial thinking skills. Paper presented at the international conference: spatial thinking and geographic information sciences, University of Tokyo, 14–16 September 2011

  • Kulo V, Bodzin A (2013) The impact of a geospatial technology-supported energy curriculum on middle school students’ science achievement. J Sci Educ Technol 22(1):25–36. doi:10.1007/s10956-012-9373-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee J, Bednarz R (2009) Effect of GIS learning on spatial thinking. J Geogr High Educ 33(2):183–198. doi:10.1080/03098260802276714

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MaKinster JG, Trautmann NM (2014) The nature of teacher knowledge necessary for the effective use of geospatial technologies to teach science. In: MaKinster JG, Trautmann NM, Barnett MG (eds) Teaching science and investigating environmental issues with geospatial technology: designing effective professional development for teachers. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 470–496

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer JW, Butterick J, Olkin M, Zack G (1999) Geographic education: GIS in the K-12 curriculum: a cautionary note. Prof Geogr 51(4):571–578

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milson AJ, Kerski JJ (2012) Around the world with geospatial technologies. Soc Educ 76(2):105–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Moon J, Passmore C, Reiser BJ, Michaels S (2014) Beyond comparisons of online versus face-to-face PD: commentary in response to Fishman et al., “Comparing the impact of online and face-to-face professional development in the context of curriculum implementation”. J Teach Educ 65(2):172–176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council (2003) Engaging schools: fostering high school students’ motivation to learn. National Academies Press, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council (2006) Learning to think spatially: GIS as a support system in the K-12 curriculum. National Academies Press, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council (2012) A framework for K-12 science education: practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. Committee on a conceptual framework for new K-12 science education standards. Board on Science Education, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. The National Academies Press, Washington, pp 1–401

  • Owston R, Wideman H, Murphy J, Lupshenyuk D (2008) Blended teacher professional development: a synthesis of three program evaluations. Internet High Educ 11(3–4):201–210. doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2008.07.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson MW, Reeve K, Page D (2003) Integrating geographic information systems into the secondary curricula. J Geogr 102(6):275–281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Penuel WR, Gallagher LP (2009) Preparing teachers to design instruction for deep understanding in middle school earth science. J Learn Sci 18(4):461–508. doi:10.1080/10508400903191904

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Penuel WR, Fishman BJ, Yamaguchi R, Gallagher LP (2007) What makes professional development effective? Strategies that foster curriculum implementation. Am Educ Res J 44(4):921–958

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Penuel W, McWilliams H, McAuliffe C, Benbow A, Mably C, Hayden M (2009) Teaching for understanding in earth science: comparing impacts on planning and instruction in three professional development designs for middle school science teachers. J Sci Teach Educ 20(5):415–436. doi:10.1007/s10972-008-9120-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riggs IM, Enochs LG (1990) Toward the development of an elementary teacher’s science teaching efficacy belief instrument. Sci Educ 74(6):625–637. doi:10.1002/sce.3730740605

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers E (1995) Diffusion of innovations. Free Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Sahin I (2008) From the social-cognitive career theory perspective: a college of education faculty model for explaining their intention to use educational technology. J Educ Comput Res 38(1):51–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shadish WR, Cook TD, Campbell DT (2002) Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference. Houghton-Mifflin, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Shin E-K (2006) Using geographic information system (GIS) to improve fourth graders’ geographic content knowledge and map skills. J Geogr 105(3):109–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shriner M, Clark DA, Nail M, Schlee BM, Libler R (2010) Social studies instruction: changing teacher confidence in classrooms enhanced by technology. Soc Stud 101(2):37–45. doi:10.1080/00377990903283999

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swan K, Shea P, Richardson J, Ice P, Garrison DR, Cleveland-Innes M et al (2008) Validating a measurement tool of presence in online communities of inquiry. E-mentor 2(24):1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Trautmann NM, MaKinster JG (2010) Flexibly adaptive professional development in support of teaching science with geospatial technology. J Sci Teach Educ 21(3):351–370. doi:10.1007/s10972-009-9181-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Driel JH, Beijaard D, Verloop N (2001) Professional development and reform in science education: the role of teachers’ practical knowledge. J Res Sci Teach 38(2):137–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Voogt J, Fisser P, Pareja Roblin N, Tondeur J, Van Braak J (2013) Technological pedagogical content knowledge—a review of the literature. J Comput Assist Learn 29(2):109–121. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2729.2012.00487.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • West BA (2003) Student attitudes and the impact of GIS on thinking skills and motivation. J Geogr 102(6):267–274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiggins G, McTighe J (2005) Understanding by design, 2nd edn. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilder A, Brinkerhoff JD, Higgins TM (2003) Geographic information technologies + project-based science: a contextualized professional development approach. J Geogr 102(6):255–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Alejandra Priede for her thoughtful suggestions about the statistical analyses used in this paper. This material was based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0737706. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Spatial Studies, University of Redlands, 1200 E. Colton Avenue, Redlands, CA, 92373, USA

    Steven Moore

  2. Educational Leadership Department, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA, 90840, USA

    Don Haviland & Michael Tran

  3. Graduate Center for Public Policy and Administration, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA, 90840, USA

    William Moore

Authors
  1. Steven Moore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Don Haviland
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. William Moore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Michael Tran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven Moore.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOC 107 kb)

Supplementary material 2 (DOCX 17 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Moore, S., Haviland, D., Moore, W. et al. Preparing Teachers to Use GIS: The Impact of a Hybrid Professional Development Program on Teachers’ Use of GIS. J Sci Educ Technol 25, 930–946 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-016-9641-5

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-016-9641-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation