Real Time Data Gathering in Social Geography using Google Sheets

Focus: Authenticity - Tool and Task
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Introduction

This video scenario demonstrates how students use their mobile devices to both collect data and formulate results whilst in the field. This focusses on the use of Google Sheets are used in real time on location. 

​Although data collection can be seen as a relatively traditional activity during field trips, the use of the mobile device in this instance enables the students to process the data on location to provide results and so allows them to analyse data in the field. This enabled a further reflection activity in the field to consolidate the learning on not only the results, but on the process of data capture in the field. This mimics the way in which field work happens out of school.

Objectives of this scenario:

  • to demonstrate how mobile devices (smartphones) can be used to support students during field work
  • to illustrate how a traditional task can be made more authentic and meaningful,yielding real time results with the support of mobile technologies in a non-formal setting
  • to raise awareness of how the setting (in this case Car Parks in a market town) can be transformed into a learning opportunity using mobile technologies

Description of the learning scenario

Students used a pre-loaded database of car registration to see where visitors to Helmsley had come from. They were able then to enter this data into a SS to explore any patterns including:
  • The distance travelled to Helmsley
  • The place from which people had travelled

Impact of the learning scenario on students

Students were able to use the mobiles to reflect on the data as it was being analysed. This allows them to reframe their questions and hypotheses in the field. Whilst this was relatively simple data with more complex data this reduces the gap between data collection and data analysis and allows the students to work with the data in real-time and in real-place. This enhances the learning experience.
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Free Apps
  • AA Distance Calculator App
  • Google Sheets
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Table Device
​Smartphone
inputting data in the field
​discussing the data

How could this scenario be extended?

This scenario could be extended in a number of ways.

Firstly, this could be done as a more collaborative exercise with different students attending different car parks in the same or different towns and filling in the google sheets using different tabs.

Secondly, students could record their reflections and guidance for students to use in the following year, based on their experiences. In using the explain everything tool, the teacher could use this in a flipped learning context therefore cutting down on the amount of class preparation time.

Students in involved in this scenario

Matthew Kearney (Technical University of Sydney, Australia), Sarah Jones (Univeristy of Hull, UK), William Hocking (Metis Acadimat, Bergen, Norway)
Exploring the data

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