Abstract:

Emerging technologies give new possibilities for learning. Maps and aerial images are not only a tool for analysing space but today one can also navigate inside them, collect geoinformation from many resources related to map objectives, obtain better knowledge and create a WebGIS (Milson, 2011). The European policy on open data is very helpful when it comes to spatial information from different organizations.

Within this context, we are working with ArcGIS Online platform, which allows the user to expand a storymap showing landscape transformations, such as the transition from dryland to irrigated land, and the increasing number of greenhouses… Geoinformation can be added to the WebGIS by anyone in anyplace and at anytime. It changes the methodology for the learning process, making it collaborative and opening many possibilities in using mobile devices.

Evolution of rural landscapes with the ArcGIS Online platform allows:
- Unprecedented collaborative work to be done on the Cloud by inserting and sharing geodata elaborated by students through teamwork using information available on the platform.
- Creation of an interactive map with any geospatial information related to the topic.
- A better understanding of rural landscapes
- New methodologies for learning in lessons
- Geospatial research

Cloud computing benefits university education and other groups using the ESRI technology ArcGIS Online platform. It is very useful for students learning geography in Secondary School Teachers’ Master’s degrees.

The work takes into account the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development declared by UNESCO, article six of the European Landscape Convention and the working aspects of the Europe 2020 Agenda. It is a fact that digital literacy is necessary for future professionals. The ArcGIS Online platform fits with this theme allowing learners to develop digital competences and spatial thinking.

This work is part of a reflection on the State of Art of the project School on cloud: connecting education to the cloud for digital citizenship (543221-LLP-1-2013-1-GR-KA3-KA3NW) which is a Lifelong Learning Programme from the European Commission.


References:
[1] Milson, J.A (2011). SIG en la Nube:WebSIG para la enseñanza de la Geografía. Didáctica Geográfica, 12, 111-124. Grupo de Didáctica de la Geografía (AGE) http://www.didacticageografica.es/index.php/didacticageografica/article/view/61

Keywords:

Cloud computing, Geography, ArcGIS Online, Lifelong learning, Spanish rural landscape, mobile technologies, storymaps.