EDED 4310/ Chapter 5

Compare the features and instructional applications of GIS and GPS tools. How can educators use GIS and GPS tools to enhance student learning?

Well first of all a GIS or Geographic Information System is a computer system that is able to store different information about geographic locations in a database and can display the stored information on a map. An example of this would be a famous internet tool by the name of "Google Earth". We can use Google earth many different ways in the classroom to enhance student learning. It would be a great tool to use in Geography. The students could examen far off parts of the earth without stepping out of their classroom and with a few clicks of the mouse. Google Earth can also be used in a History class. For example if we were to be learning about the pyramids in Egypt we could actually visit the pyramid site through Google Earth. This would give the students a realistic experience, increase their interest, therefore they would learn more.

GPS or Global Positioning System is a worldwide radio navigation system made possible by a bank of 24 sattelites and their ground stations. I found it interesting that a GPS can calculate positions of anything on earth accurate to a matter of feet or inches by using sattelites as reference points. GPS can enhance student learning when doing science projects. The GLOBE Project is an environmental science project that utilizes remote sensing and ground-based observation to study the local environment. Through this virtual program students can investigate such things as land soil and weather.