The effect of GIS on the success in teaching the population subject i̇n social science lesson for grade 7

The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of using Geographical Information Systems on students's academical success. The study has been applied to 25 seventh grade students studying at Mustafa Kemal Elementary School in Giresun city in 2013-2014 fall semester. The gain of "Students discuss the causes and results of population distribution in Turkey by using visual materials and data." has been taught to seventh grade social studies students by using ArcGIS 10.1. The results of the pre-interview data obtained before teaching and post- interview data gained after teaching intervention have been analyzed and interpreted. The quantitative data has been analyzed by using paired sample t-test and the qualitative data on the other hand has been analyzed by interpreting frequency (F) and percentage (%). At the end of the study, it was observed a significant difference between the student's level of success before and after teaching. It is concluded that using Geographical Information Systems in social studies class increases the academical success of the students. In line with the results obtained, recommendations have been made to teachers, students and program developers. Keywords: Social Studies, Information Technologies, Geographical Information Systems, Academical Success, Teaching Population.