Wednesday May 31, 2006
Blog #1 Geocaching
Description of Tool/Resource/Strategy
Geocaching is GPS (Global Positioning System) technology where a person can input coordinates into a handheld GPS device in order to find a cache (treasure) left by another. It is a ?high-tech, worldwide treasure hunt? according to Lynn M Lary. Geocaching is becoming a world-wide sport and offers an interesting application in the classroom.
The students use the GPS device as they input coordinates or access coordinates already entered. Students then use the assigned GPS device to locate the ?treasure? cache. The cache can be anything in a container, for example, a logbook, trinkets, or information left in a plastic box. The ?treasure? can be collected by the ?treasure hunters?, and then used to solve a puzzle or answer a problem. The ?treasure? could also be more clues to the next cache.
Key Findings from Reading
In her article, Hide and Seek, GPS and Geocaching in the Classroom (Learning & Leading with Technology, Volume 31, Number 6), Lary describes the technique of geocaching and offers examples of how to use this technology in the classroom. In using this technique at one middle school camp, Lary received positive feedback from not only the students, but the parents as well. In this example, clues where left in the cache leading students to the next find. Clues ranged from riddles to math problems.
While the article provided no statistical evidence of increased learning/assimilation of knowledge, the stories provided indicated enthusiasm for the activity and the new technology.
Reflection
I really like the idea of getting my students moving around (kinetically). As a computer programming teacher, my students sit at their computers all period (90 min) working on their exercises/projects. Any way I can make learning code less dry and monotonous is a plus. One way I think I could incorporate this technology is to have the cache provide programming statements, which the students would then put in order once all sites had been visited by the team. In having students assemble the statements, then enter them into the program. If the statements are assembled correctly, the code will run and the students will successfully complete the challenge.
I could also put programming problems in the cache then have a contest where students would solve the different problems. With the problems integrated into a project, students could build on each find and collaborate together as a team. Posted by lpkeller ( May 31 2006, 07:41:30 AM EDT ) Permalink
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