A model for enhancing the quality of geography education based on the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Geographic Information Systems
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is increasingly central to improving the quality of geography education. This study developed a model intended for enhancing geography education quality based on AI-GIS integration and empirically examined future geography teachers’ readiness to adopt these technologies, drawing on a survey of 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students in geography at al-Farabi Kazakh National University (27 items across three blocks: socio-intellectual characteristics, experience and integration, and professional/ethical issues; Cronbach's α = 0.78, χ 2 (3) = 24.56, p < 0.001). Sixty-seven percent of students reported readiness to use AI-GIS technologies (12% fully ready, 55% ready but requiring further training), and an equal share wished to develop their knowledge in this area further; familiarity was higher for AI (68%) than for GIS (26%) or GeoAI (8%); 99% had used ChatGPT or a similar tool, and ArcGIS was the most common GIS platform (66%). Readiness to use the technologies was associated with GIS familiarity ( ρ = 0.51), GIS proficiency ( ρ = 0.47), and GeoAI knowledge ( ρ = 0.43), but not with general AI familiarity ( ρ = 0.07); H3 and H4 were supported, H1 was not, and H2 was reported as a descriptive result. Although 88% of students viewed AI-GIS integration as beneficial to instructional quality, 67% were unaware of algorithmic bias issues and only 6% had applied these technologies in teaching practice. The results informed a proposed five-component model (content, technological, methodological, integrative, and competency) that has not yet been tested empirically. It is intended for improving teacher-training programs, designing practical courses, and developing future teachers’ digital competence, critical thinking, and ethical awareness.
Source: Frontiers in Education
Language: English
Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7224106231