Compare the features and instructional applications of GIS and GPS tools. How can educators use GIS and GPS tools to enhance student learning?
Because of the GIS is more based on the information that it records and maintains, it is a better tool to use in the classroom. The GIS would be a great asset when presenting lesson plans that call for visual representation of landforms, maps, and information comparing different locations. The GPS would not provide them with a visual view of all the sites, but it could provide them with distances within feet or inches of the location desired. This could be a good resource to use in a math lesson that calls for measurements and locations. These applications would also provide wonderful opportunities to take virtual trips around the world.
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As I was reading the textbook, it offered a lot of information on these tools and how beneficial they are but I wonder if at times they are actually hindering us. I know that is will help letter better in classrooms if used correctly but how many teachers will utilize them. My main concern is losing the ability to being able to figure out the information using our own mental skills. The other concern is if these tools fail, malfunction, or whatever the case may be. Will our students be able to figure it out on their own? I personally believe that these tools are a benefit in the classroom and as I was reading more on these systems on the internet, it is amazing how precise they really are.
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ReplyDeleteI like the examples that you used for GIS and GPS. I agree with you that GPS is great tool to use in Math since it can measure down to the inches of a location. GIS and GPS are also great tools for Science, Social Studies, and Geography lessons. In a Geography lesson the students could use the GIS to collect data about different locations and then use the GPS to great more specific details about the same location. The GIS and GPS goes beyond the basic resources that students would normally use. I think that using these systems would motivate students to get more involved in a lesson. The disadvantage that I see in these two systems is the cost.
Maria, True GIS can be used to give land representation for class and I think it can be used in a World Geography class. But I must also respond to Juanita and say she is right when we rely on too much on technology. But do we have a choice? Either learn it or stay behind. Maybe it is important to learn both ways. In math we teach mental math, paper and pencil, and calculator. We have to have a back up. GPS may go out so make sure you have a map. Times are changing and so do we.
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