How can geographic information systems (GIS) increase primary school pupils' awareness of their local
Résumé
This study examines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance spatial awareness in French primary school pupils'. The research, conducted in the Toulouse region, employed a didactic engineering approach to develop a geographical survey of pupils' local neighborhoods. Multiple data sets were collected, including teacher questionnaires, video recordings of lessons, and interviews. Results indicate that GIS use correlates positively with outdoor learning practices and serves as an effective tool for geographical surveys. The study found that virtual globes, particularly Géoportail and its "Going Back in Time" application, facilitated pupils' spatial exploration and analysis. These tools enabled pupils' to visualize their local space, construct itineraries, and investigate historical changes in their neighborhoods. Research concludes that GIS can act as both a teaching resource and a catalyst for developing pupils' spatial awareness, contributing to the construction of their geographical citizenship.