Meg Stewart describes how Vassar College uses HP Tablet PCs to teach geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping by taking students outside.
In mobile mapping, the tablet’s pen is used to draw in features, or digitize, on a map. Lines, such as faults or bedding contacts or a stream, and polygons, like tree stands, impervious surfaces, or urban survey regions, are easily drawn into the mapping software and immediately entered into the GIS database.
I can see how to adapt the mapping page information in order to use a Tablet with preschool students as well as advanced graduates. Meg offers great ideas other teachers can use quickly.
Stewart is the Academic Computing Consultant for GIS in the Computing and Information Services department at Vassar College. She helps faculty and students use mapping technologies in their classes and research projects to answer geospatial questions.
Thanks for the tip, Meg. Let us know of your progress and other projects.