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2016 » Papers » Volume 2 » Using handheld GPS receivers in primary school education 1. USING HANDHELD GPS RECEIVERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION Authors: Gubo Stefan Volume 2 | DOI: 10.12753/2066-026X-16-145 | Pages: 393-398 | Download PDF | Abstract
The Global Positioning System (GPS), as the first fully operational global navigation satellite system, is one of the modern technologies which have been expanding in our everyday life. This system continuously provides accurate three-dimensional position (often indicated in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude) and time data to a user located on the surface of the Earth or in the air. Currently, there are millions of users of GPS receivers worldwide. Not only can these units be used for military, scientific, industrial, agricultural purposes or during outdoor free-time activities, but also in teaching certain subjects from upper primary school level to university level. Using GPS receivers and GPS-based activities gives teachers opportunities to transform their classrooms from teacher-centered environments to environments that focus on student engagement in the learning process.
The main purpose of this paper is to outline the possibilities of using handheld GPS receivers in teaching mathematics at primary school level. We introduce and discuss the results of an activity conducted in primary schools in Slovakia and Hungary. The activity included a theoretical as well as a practical part, and the participants were 7th grade (12-13 year old) students. During this activity, the students have learned how to use the handheld GPS receiver, and then solved measuring tasks around the school. Data were gathered by means of observation, analysis of students' tracks, a survey and interviews with students. The results show highly motivated students, who enjoyed participating in the activity. Students indicated they learned how to determine their position, the distance between two locations and the area of polygonal plot of land using a handheld GPS receiver. | Keywords
Global Positioning System, GPS receiver, teaching mathematics, primary school education |
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