Analysis of the use of geographic information system (GİS) in social studies education in terms of teacher candidates

In the research, it was aimed to reveal the opinions of social studies and elementary school teacher candidates regarding the use of GIS in Social Studies education. In addition to this purpose, it was aimed to determine whether the opinions of social studies and prospective teachers differ significantly according to the demographic variables, gender, department and classroom variables. For this purpose, the research and scanning model of the quantitative research type were preferred. The research sample consists of 490 social studies and classroom teacher candidates studying at İnönü University. Within the scope of the research, a data collection tool consisting of two parts was used. The first of these is the Personal Information Form for determining the personal characteristics of the social studies and elementary teacher candidates participating in the research, and the second is the "GIS Concept Perception Scale in Social Studies Education" developed by the researcher. The data of the study were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean and standard deviation calculations from descriptive statistical methods and Independent Samples t-Test and One Way Variance Analysis from inferential statistical methods. In the study, it was determined that the perceptions of the candidates of social studies and elementary teachers about the use of the GIS concept in Social Studies Education are generally at the level of agree, in other words, their perception about the use of the GIS concept in Social Studies Education is high. In the study, it was determined that the candidates of social studies and classroom teachers stated that the use of the GIS concept in Social Studies Education is functional. According to this result of the research, it may be possible to update the Social Studies course curriculum by taking into consideration the functionality of GIS by the Ministry of Education, and in-service trainings to increase the competencies of teachers regarding the use of the GIS concept in Social Studies education. Key Words: Social Studies, Geographic Information System, Teacher Candidates.