The Effects of Multiple Thematic Layers on Web Map Use by Middle School Students

Abstract

Access to the to the Internet and to a variety of interactive mapping tools has increased interest among middle school teachers to use interactive maps in conjunction with learning activities. There is very little research in the area of interactive mapping in educational situations, specifically with regards to layer maps that combine multiple thematic layers on a single map. This study evaluates the relationship between the number of layers present on a web-based map and middle-school students' accuracy and timeliness using the map to answer geographic questions. Additionally, this study examines the specific effect of a hill shade on student response time and accuracy when answering questions do not require any terrain information. Tests were conducted in five Portland, Oregon area middle school classrooms using Blackboard CE8 to present maps and collect responses. The results of this research indicate no significant relationship between the number of layers present on a web map and middle school students' accuracy or response times while using the map to answer questions. The presence of a hillshade layers does not significantly impact the students' response times or accuracy while answering questions while using the map either.ii Acknowledgements