GPS in the Classrom

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology has been used in the United States since 1993. When it was first developed it was primarily used by the military. However, almost all cellphones are now equipped with a GPS device (for emergencies only of course.)

GPS technology is now being used in the classroom for the first time ever. Some ideas that have been used in classrooms so far include help with local geography. It's must easier for students to actually be able to see pictures that were taken hours ago of their schools and neighborhoods than to look at an old map and try to sink it all in.

Another use of GPS technology is the site maps.google.com. At this commonly used site, people can find directions (possibly to a field trip location) to almost anywhere on the planet. All you need is an address. The possibilities for this technology are unlimited.