What is it?
GPS stands for "global positioning system". Most of you may be most familiar with this device as being the object in your car that tells you how to get from point A to point B. However, it is much more than that! Originally it was originally created by the U.S. Government as a way to overcome the limitations of other navigation systems. Now days, people most commonly use the devices for recreation, research, tracking, and travel. The devices send and receive information via satellites in space.
How can it be used?
As mentioned above, they have many uses. Surveying, map-making, navigation, tracking, recreation, and tagging. These are only a few! Most of these are done by tagging (or marking) and object or location into the GPS system--this then allows almost anyone with a device to see and locate the tagged object. This would be beneficial in the classroom in many ways that can make learning fun and interesting! What better way to go more in depth with map reading, than to create your own map? How much better could calculating distances be, than to track and measure your own locations? There are so many uses in the classroom where this device would come in handy with expounding upon what the kids are learning!
Advantages...
This is a device that can be programmed and reprogrammed to save locations that you or your kids deem necessary. Also, as stated above, they have a multitude of uses that can span across the curriculum. Another great thing about the devices, is that they can be updated with new software rather than having to replace them all the time.....however.....
The disadvantages...
These devices can be quite costly. I understand that many schools may not have the means to purchase such things, but they would be a great investment! You can choose from a variety of types, many of with are highly durable and could withstand several years of classroom use. One more disadvantage, would be that they often can be a little slower when used indoors or in bad weather due to insufficient satellite readings (again, there are some that have better signal strength than others).
Who is the audience?
ANYONE! It isn't exactly perfect for very young children, but i would definitely think the device would be useful for 3rd grade and up! Even out of the classroom, kids can use this knowledge well beyond their classroom days.
Want to learn more?
Check out these links to get some more great info on this awesome tool!
What do I think?
GPS is a great way to extend and enhance many, many lessons in the classroom. You can take a common tool and turn it into an interesting new way for kids to learn and understand the validity of what they are learning! I hope that I have the chance to use this in my classroom one day! Even if you only have one device to go around, each kid can still have a hand in on what is going on. The more connections a child can make to the real world, the more concrete the knowledge is you are trying to share with them!
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