using gis to improve map skills

From the article "Using Geographic Information System (GIS) to Improve Fourth Graders' Geographic Content Knowledge and Map Skills" by Eui-kyung Shin. This article can be found in The Journal of Geography, May/June 2006; 105, 3 - pages 109-120.

Although traditionally, geometry in the Elementary School days consisted of learning the states and capitals, the names of the continents, and looking at country flags - educators have been trying to shift it into the direction of geographic knowledge, map skills, and other skills that students will take with them in the future. These skills include: analyzing maps to learn about mountains, valleys and other land features, creating a realistic and proportionate map of an area, understanding the use and reasoning of colors and keys used, and also the use of boundaries and what these boundaries mean.

In the back of this article, it had three different rubrics for understanding different maps found on the GIS. Basically the student would look at the map on the GIS and would learn about any types of boundaries (states, countries, cities, etc), and also about roads (what type of roads they are or where they go). The GIS can also teach about elevation, population, transportation and other characteristics of wherever they are looking at. From this, students can get a more in depth look at cities, states or countries, and perhaps understand more about the climate or landscape because of the mountains they may or may not see, or even water ways. The GIS can be a very helpful tool and I hope that I may get a chance to use it in the classroom.