Transforming Social Determinants to Educational Outcomes: Geospatial Considerations

Area of Science:

• Educational equity
• Geospatial health analysis
• Public health and education

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented educational crisis, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
• The rise of e-learning and technological advancements necessitate precise identification of community needs for effective resource allocation.
• Understanding the interplay of health, economic, and educational factors is crucial for rebuilding resilient educational systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To spatially model the impact of the pandemic on educationally underserved communities.
• To empirically investigate the relationship between spatial health variables and educational attainment.
• To provide evidence for developing locally tailored learner support systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized aerial photogrammetry, traditional geospatial mapping, and AI-driven techniques.
• Synthesized and analyzed diverse datasets including spatial health and educational variables.
• Examined geographic variations in learning experiences and their determinants.

Main Results:

• Identified statistically significant relationships between educational attainment and physical health (p < 0.001), mental health (p = 0.003), food security (p < 0.001), and preventative health measures (p < 0.001).
• Demonstrated significant geographic variations in these relationships.
• Highlighted the importance of a multi-faceted approach considering physical, mental, and dietary factors.

Conclusions:

• Geospatial analysis is essential for understanding and addressing educational inequities.
• Learner success is intrinsically linked to a combination of health, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.
• Educational institutions must leverage geospatial data to provide targeted, localized support to meet diverse student needs.