Geotechnology as subsidy to teaching Geography and Environment for students with low vision
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Freitas Junior, R.; 2Costa, V.
1INSTITUTO BENJAMIN CONSTANT - IBC Email: robson_lfjr@yahoo.com.br
2UNIVERSIDADE DO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO - UERJ Email: vivianuerj@gmail.com
Abstract
Geotechnologies can be defined as the set of mathematical and computational tools for the treatment of spatial information. In this context, they have as main objective to work with georeferenced data for computational representation of geographic space through some examples, among which deserve relevance Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (SR) and the Digital Cartography. The oldest and most common way to process and display spatial data is the maps. A map can be described as representing a particular portion of the Earth's. Also constitutes the object of study of cartographic science while it configures as an indispensable work tool for geographers. The proposed paper is related to the geographical space science education wants to emphasize that students should be able to use different sources of information and technology to acquire and construct knowledge associated with geographic theme resources. With specific regard to the teaching of blind and low vision students, it is worth noting that the planning of interventions for teaching these students should be based on your specific needs. Therefore, education professionals that serve this student body should know the most important features of the development and learning of individuals with severe visual impairments, because only in this way can plan and develop their actions in accordance with the needs of these students. It was observed through literature searches that preparing educational materials for visually impaired students is comprised of a range of instruments such as mockups, games, tactile and mental maps. Soon, the new technologies related to teaching Geography seek through tactile graphic language (maps, models and others) move beyond the mere sense of touch, including multisensory exploration. This paper presents the methodological approach as the use of geotechnology aiming at presenting new ways and techniques for teaching Geography. Thus, in developing tactile maps, for example, can be incorporated through the manipulation of GIS, basic conventional maps, such as scale, title, legend, orientation elements. These elements are essential to the understanding of a map, even for individuals with low vision to analyze the structure of it, regardless of it being devoted to this distinguished audience or not. It is noteworthy that the geo constitute courseware to help any professional geography. So, can also be used as methodological tools for teaching visually impaired or not, for example, the IBGE topographic maps, satellite images, aerial photographs, maps, compasses and instruments positioning by satellites such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). The latter has been of vital importance in the modern world because of its presence in vehicles, mobile phones, tablets, among others, and is very present in the reality of school students. In this sense, as relevant to the teaching of Geography and Environment (ecological imbalance, environmental impacts, vegetation, water, garbage), cartography (scale, coordinates, orientation), organization of space and landscape changes, among others, content can be exposed in a different way with the help of these new tools. Therefore, this research attempts to carry out experiments and tests to students with low vision through the use of geotechnologies tools.