My Final Article

GPS and Learning
by Charles Sinicki
http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196513425

I chose this article because my daughter's class recently did Geocaching and she was very excited about it. I had no idea what it was. This article helped to explain what Geocaching is and how it is a useful tool for students to practice math, reading, writing, and technology skills.

Geocaching is basically a high tech treasure hunt. Caches are hidden by people all over the world and then they place GPS coordinates on a website. Students can use these coordinates to find the cache. Most caches contain a log where students can sign their names and leave an entry. Many caches also have the policy of "take some stuff, leave some stuff." There are also "Cache In, Trash Out" caches that have garbage bags and encourage finders to clean up the area.

There are currently caches in 222 countries and that number is growing. The Geocaching website has an extensive database of caches to find, but you can also plant your own for students to find.

GPS devices can cost as little as $85 and the Geocaching website offers free subscriptions as well as premium memberships for $30 a year.

This article was a great overview of how mobile technology can be used with students. Today's students are very tech savvy, but many become socially isolated or physically inactive. Geocaching is a fun, exciting way to get students up and moving as they work together to explore the world outside using the technology they love.