TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES ON USING ICT TO ENHANCE LEARNING OF CHALLENGING GEOGRAPHY TOPICS IN MALAYSIAN LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS
This study investigates teachers' perspectives on using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance the learning of challenging geography topics among lower secondary students in Malaysian schools. Using a qualitative survey approach, data were collected from 30 experienced geography teachers through open-ended questionnaires, and five teachers were interviewed in depth. The study identifies the geographical topics challenging for lower secondary students, with topography maps (26.7%), drainage systems (20%), and landforms in Southeast Asia (13.3%) emerging as the most problematic areas. It explores various ICT approaches employed by teachers, with mobile technologies (40%) and educational games (26.7%) followed by interactive whiteboards (20%). The study reveals that interactive videos, geospatial technologies like Google Earth, and gamification significantly enhance student interest and understanding of complex geographical concepts. The findings highlight the potential of ICT in transforming geography education, making it more engaging and accessible. This research provides important information for curriculum design, teacher training, and educational policy, emphasizing the need for systematic integration of appropriate technologies in geography education.
ICT in Education, Geography Subject, Challenging Topics, Teacher Perspectives.