Technology integrated teaching in Malaysian schools: GIS, a SWOT analysis

Abstract

Geographical Information System (GIS) has been introduced and widely used in schools in various countries. The year 1990 onwards, the implementation of GIS in schools showed an increase. This is due to the drastic changes and reforms in the education system. Even though the name GIS suits well to the Geography subject, but it is widely integrated in various subjects such as History, Chemistry, Physics and Science. In Malaysia, GIS is common in fields such as risk management, architecture, town planning and municipal department. Anyhow, it is still unknown in the school education system. Even upper secondary students are not familiar with GIS. The Ministry of Education in Malaysia has been continuously reforming the education towards the aim of creating a society based on economic fundamentals and knowledge. The Master Plan for Educational Development with the aim of developing individual potential with well-integrated and balanced education is already on field. Recently, Malaysia invested 18 % of the annual national budget towards upgrading its education system. The computer in education program started in 1999. Three hundred and twenty two schools were chosen as ‘break a way’ from conventional teaching method towards technology integrated teaching. Projects such as New Primary School Curriculum (KBSR), Integrated Secondary School Curriculum (KBSM), Smart School Project, School Access Centre were introduced constantly. Teacher as the cogwheel of innovations in schools were given courses in aim to develop their ICT knowledge and skill. To this date, the technology integration in subjects is not equal and it disperses through subjects. Geography is one of the ‘dry’ subjects in schools with less technology which is not preferable among students. Geographical Information System (GIS) is foremost the best Geographical Information Technology (GIT) to be implied in geography subject. In Malaysian Education System, GIS is still exposed just in papers, articles and proceeding papers. Researches had been continuously done in integrating GIS into Geography syllabus. Thus, this article describes and discusses the barriers and opportunities of implementing GIS in schools with a deep focus of how GIS could enhance the process of teaching and learning geography. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of GIS in enhancing students’ interest towards the subject. Barriers that might limit the implementation of GIS in schools also briefly discussed in this article. The capabilities of GIS in schools and teaching with GIS is also a part of this article. SWOT analysis is used to find the strength, threaten, opportunities and weakness of GIS to be integrated in Malaysian schools. A content analysis was performed using articles from local and abroad publications regarding technology integration and GIS. Conference proceedings were also analyzed. This content analysis included 35 articles selected from ICT and GIS publication in Malaysia and abroad. The content analysis was done in order to identify the barriers of trying GIS in schools in Malaysia. Thus, this article discusses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threatens. The future of GIS in Malaysian Schools has been added into the conclusion. Keywords: Technology Integration , Geographical Information System (GIS), secondary schools, SWOT analysis, Geography Syllabus

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