“Mapping Paris”: Using GIS Technology for a Blended Learning Approach in a Foreign Language and Culture Course

Submission Type

Event

Abstract

This presentation discusses the pedagogical outcomes of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in an intermediate-level French language and culture course. The course is based around an interactive, web-based map of the spaces, both real and imaginary, featured in various literary and cultural documents that have evoked Paris throughout its history. Through targeted online activities done outside of the classroom, students review the course material and reconstruct the multiple layers of the city, navigating through the cultural, urban, architectural and social history of Paris in the process. The digital mapping interface enables them to be more active in the creation of knowledge (data collection) and fosters critical thinking in order to better understand the urban evolution of Paris (or a specific neighborhood) and how the past explains the modern city. Learning historical and cultural knowledge through geo-visualization offers an efficient way to foster visual and spatial thinking, as well as critical and analytical skills within an interdisciplinary framework. The blended learning approach of the course frees up time for deeper class discussions and face-to-face interaction for practice of linguistic skills at a higher level. In brief, the use of a digital mapping interface provides a framework for implementation of blended learning in a foreign language and culture course, allowing new opportunities generating deep learning outcomes and high motivational results.

Session

Session 4: Expanding the Horizons of Blended Learning

Location

Thomas 110

Start Date

5-21-2014 2:30 PM

End Date

5-21-2014 3:50 PM

This document is currently not available here.

Share

Import Event to Google Calendar

COinS
 
May 21st, 2:30 PM May 21st, 3:50 PM

“Mapping Paris”: Using GIS Technology for a Blended Learning Approach in a Foreign Language and Culture Course

Thomas 110

This presentation discusses the pedagogical outcomes of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in an intermediate-level French language and culture course. The course is based around an interactive, web-based map of the spaces, both real and imaginary, featured in various literary and cultural documents that have evoked Paris throughout its history. Through targeted online activities done outside of the classroom, students review the course material and reconstruct the multiple layers of the city, navigating through the cultural, urban, architectural and social history of Paris in the process. The digital mapping interface enables them to be more active in the creation of knowledge (data collection) and fosters critical thinking in order to better understand the urban evolution of Paris (or a specific neighborhood) and how the past explains the modern city. Learning historical and cultural knowledge through geo-visualization offers an efficient way to foster visual and spatial thinking, as well as critical and analytical skills within an interdisciplinary framework. The blended learning approach of the course frees up time for deeper class discussions and face-to-face interaction for practice of linguistic skills at a higher level. In brief, the use of a digital mapping interface provides a framework for implementation of blended learning in a foreign language and culture course, allowing new opportunities generating deep learning outcomes and high motivational results.