Week 15 Chapter 5 Discussion

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


Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that is able to store in a database a variety of information about geographic locations. As mentioned by Roblyer, the primary uses are: to record and maintain large amounts of geographic information, to produce up-to-date customized maps, and to allow analysis and comparison of information on different locations. The best way I can think of for students to learn is in geography class where they need to see the changes in the maps from year to year. It will allow the opportunity for the students to see the comparison of information on the same location or different ones.

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radionavigation system made possible by a bank of 24 satellites and their ground stations. It can calculate positions of anything on earth accurate to a matter of feet or inches. They are useful in cars when you are lost and cannot locate the place you are going because the directions were not written down. This is the best thing when going out of state because paper maps at convenient stores get old and become invalid. Also you must assume that the GPS will get you there in a shorter and safer time span. For example Google one time made me go around the Houston city instead of cutting straight the middle in order for me to get to the conference I needed to be at. So it has its pros and cons. GPS can also be used at home to locate those stores with the greatest discount… especially during the Christmas holiday. Remember y’all don’t forget to shop at the TANGER OUTLET. There are many sales and it will help you out. Ok but seriously, the way the kids can view this as a helpful tool. Students can use it to see where the next closest high school is or how far their pen pals from a school project live.