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2026-2027 / ZENS4215-1

Geography didactics: spatial components and geospatial technologies

Duration

12h Th

Number of credits

 Master of Education, Section 2 (HECh - Huy)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HECh - Liège)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HECh - Verviers)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HELMO - Huy)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HELMO - Liège)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HELMO - Theux)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HELMO - Adapted timetable)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HERS)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HEL)2 crédits 
 Master of Education, Section 2 (HEL - Non-standard schedule)2 crédits 

Lecturer

Fabrice Argounès

Coordinator

Alix Dassargues

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course brings together complementary dimensions: on the one hand, the analysis of spatial components ; that is, learning to identify and to question the spatial dimension of phenomena (in the sense of the definitions in the reference framework and of their significance for learning); and on the other, a measured, critical introduction to the geospatial tools that can support that analysis.

Rooted in the epistemology and didactics of geography, it approaches spatiality above all as a way of looking ; a way of thinking about space, location and the way phenomena relate to one another, rather than as technical content.

It aims to equip future teachers to design activities for structuring space, possibly enriched with geospatial tools, while maintaining a critical view of their relevance and their limits.

- From spatiality to geography: spatial components and the analysis of the spatial dimension of phenomena.

- Epistemological and didactic background: the foundations and development of geographical knowledge.

- Structuring space: designing suitable activities.

- Introduction to simple, accessible geospatial tools for identifying and analysing spatial components (given as examples, with no claim to be exhaustive).

- A critical perspective on the relevance, added value and limits of their use in a school context.

- The growing place of contemporary technologies and artificial intelligence in geospatial tools: opportunities and points requiring caution.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • design space-structuring activities that incorporate geospatial tools;
  • integrate the epistemological and didactic foundations of geographical knowledge;
  • take a critical view of the relevance of using geospatial technologies;
  • use geospatial tools to identify and analyse spatial components.
These outcomes contribute in particular to developing the following competences:

  • Mastering disciplinary content, its epistemological foundations, its scientific and technological development, its didactics and the methodology for teaching it (3a);
  • Mastering the integration of digital technologies into one's teaching practice (3f).

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

This course favours active learning: lecture segments alternate with moments of student engagement (hands-on work, discussion, reflection), and understanding is checked regularly. Attention is paid to accessibility and to the diversity of ways of learning.

- Short lectures setting out the epistemological, historical and didactic foundations;

- Analysis of spatial components based on varied examples and materials;

- Hands-on use of simple geospatial tools and workshops designing activities;

- Possible experimentation in the field or on placement, with reflective follow-up.

The specific arrangements for each session may be adjusted to suit the group and will be communicated as the course progresses on MyUliège or  eCampus.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face.

The very format of the course ; group work, hands-on use of tools on computer and getting to grips with tools in class ; does not lend itself well to distance learning. Presentation materials will nonetheless be posted on MyUliège or  eCampus.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

The presentations will be posted on MyUliège or eCampus. Any readings, distinguished according to whether they are recommended or required, will be specified during the course.

Other : Depending on the number of students, the arrangements may be adapted.


Further information:

 

Depending on the number of students, the arrangements may be adapted and will be communicated on eCampus or MyUliège. 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Students must have basic computer equipment; the use of free software and resources is recommended.

These elements are subject to adjustment during the year; any change will be communicated on eCampus or MyULiège.

Contacts

Fabrice Argounès : fabriceargounes@uliege.be

 

Association of one or more MOOCs