In an earlier post (Mobile Learning Module for Geography 1190 – Exploring Coordinate Systems Using a Mobile Device) I outlined a plan for using an iPhone app (Fugawi iMap) in a learning module designed to reinforce first year geography student’s understanding of using coordinate systems and topographic maps. Over the past two weeks I have tried using a modified version of the module in two different classes. This post describes the experience of using the module in a first year physical geography class.
Mobile Learning Module for Geography 1190 – Exploring Coordinate Systems Using a Mobile Device
The purpose of this module is help students make a connection between the coordinate systems they use on a map in the classroom and how those coordinate systems describe locations in the real world. It would supplement material that is normally taught in GEOG 1190 lab assignments #1 and #2.
To prepare for this module:
- Students will need to be familiar with how a location’s coordinates (latitude and longitude; and UTM) are determined using a map.
- Students will need to be familiar with how distances between locations are determined using a map.
- The instructor will need to identify students with GPS equipped iPhones and create small groups (3 – 5) centred on those phone owners.
- The phone owners will need to install Fugawi iMap on their phones. The app is $5.00, so we may need to consider some sort of reimbursement.