The rapid digital transformation across all societal domains underscores the critical need for proficient and critical engagement with digital technologies and data—commonly framed as digital and data literacy. Geography education holds a unique position to foster these skills, given its interdisciplinary nature and focus on spatial relationships and the interconnections between human and environmental phenomena. This presentation synthesizes findings from studies analyzing 57 geography curricula and framework documents from all German federal states and various school types. The evaluations were carried out using structured qualitative content analysis. The first study investigates the extent to which digitization-related technologies, concepts, and skills are reflected in the curricular guidelines. It reveals varying degrees of integration, with a strong emphasis on GIS and remote sensing, alongside a notable absence of approaches and limited representation of broader digitization contexts. The second study focuses on data literacy. The following key findings emerge: various content and process areas of data literacy are addressed in geography curricula, but with significantly varying proportions—for example, in the coverage of process-related aspects. Together, these analyses illuminate the current landscape of digital and data skill development in geography education and its responsiveness to evolving societal challenges. The presentation discusses implications for curriculum design, teacher professional development, and classroom practices, advocating for a more cohesive incorporation of digital and data literacy competencies. By strengthening these elements, geography education can better prepare learners for informed citizenship and active participation in a digitally complex world.

Authors:
Carina Peter, University of Marburg, Germany
Sandra Sprenger, Universtät Hamburg, Germany

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Carina Peter is a professor for Geography Education at the Department of Geography, University of Marburg, Germany.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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