Compare the features and instructional applications of GIS and GPS tools. How can educators use GIS and GPS tools to enhance student learning?
The Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) can be a useful teaching tool in the areas of Science and Social Studies. A GIS computer system has the capacity to store information in a database concerning geographic locations. The GIS also has the capabilities to display the data in map form. Students can use GISs for recording and maintaining huge amounts of geographic information, produce current customized maps and provides opportunity to compare information about different locations. The GPS receives its information from 24 satellites. The satellites make it possible to pinpoint locations all over the world accurately. GPSs not only assist individuals in locating places, but can also be beneficial to farmers and provide safety in transportation.
Students can use the information from GISs and GPSs to collect and analyze data. They can manipulate the data to create visual online graphs that can be beneficial in finding patterns and drawing conclusions over time. These tools are most likely used in the secondary curriculum.
One website that can be used in education is
http://www.gps4fun.om/
Another website that may help students and educators is http://www.census.gov/geo/www/maps/
You might want to check these out just for fun!
REFERENCE
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Boston, MA.: Allyn & Bacon.
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For the most part, students have likely heard of GPS, while many haven’t heard of or know what GIS is. Because of the portable and cheap GPS products that are available for vehicles to use, many students likely learned about GPS by personal experience. Or thru the countless commercials on television about all the GPS products that are available. And since many cell phones are including built-in GPS inside the phones nowadays, younger students who can’t drive yet are using and exploring GPS straight from their cell phones. So those are primarily the reasons why I think GPS is more known and popular within the student population in America than GIS.
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