Geolocation (EdTech)
From The Learning Engineer's Knowledgebase
Geolocation is a technology that can be used to pinpoint and track a person's or device's physical location and movement on the Earth or within other physical spaces. Geolocation allows educators who use the technology to take advantage of place-based, movement-based, or embodied learning experiences where the space, place, and person's physical movements matter.
Definition
Geolocation is a technology that can determine with precision the physical location and continuous movements of a digital device that is connected and transmitting to global positioning systems (GPS). By extension, geolocation can be used to determine the physical location and movements of a person or object if they are carrying a geolocation-enabled device, or has one attached to them.
Additional Information
Geolocation as an emerging educational technology has much potential for making physical spaces and locations engaging. Most modern cell phone and tablet devices have geolocation services built in, giving technology developers and instructional designers the ability to leverage physical movement and spatiality within a learning environment using the devices that are already in the pockets of most learners.
Geolocation technologies can both pinpoint the location of a device (or the person holding the device), as well as track continuous movement of the device. This data can also be logged, or fed into automated software that is programmed to perform specific tasks and functions when, for instance, a person walks to a specific location, enters a room, or moves in a certain way.
Potential uses of geolocation technologies
- Activate devices or perform software functions when users enter specific areas
- Encourage and monitor movement around a physical space
- Create location-based learning experiences where the location or space has a meaningful interaction, such as at museum exhibits, parks, or even school hallways.
Tips and Tricks
- When designing learning activities for an educational product or experience, consider how the physical space or place can be used in the activity.
- Think about what meaningful interactions can you create for learners by having them physically go to another location or move to another space. Spaces may be different "stations" for learners, or software may be programmed to deliver specific information when a person enters the space. Games can be designed that take advantage of physical space, such as having to "check in" to locations, or to perform scavenger hunt-type activities.
- Consider how might you use movement tracking data that are collected from geolocation services to tell you about how and why people learn
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