INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

Geography education is essential for learners' understanding of environmental systems and preparation for tackling current sustainability challenges. However, traditional methodologies of geography instruction limit students' interaction with dynamic spatial data, environmental models, and analysis of real-world geography. This paper discusses the possibilities of using AI in geography education to increase environmental awareness and sustainable development. A narrative literature review of peer-reviewed articles, books, policies and reports regarding AI, geography education and environmental sustainability was carried out. The selected literature was analysed through the thematic approach. The literature review shows that technologies related to AI including GeoAI, intelligent tutoring systems, machine learning, remote sensing analytics and generative AI will enable learners to develop their spatial reasoning, data interpretation skills, engagement and literacy in sustainability issues. At the same time, infrastructural shortcomings, lack of teachers' readiness, ethical problems and limitations at the policy level will hinder the effective implementation of AI in geography education in Nigeria. This paper contributes to scholarly research through the integration of contemporary AI innovations with geography education.