Incorporating geo-caching into the classroom could be done in a lesson about civil war history with a visit to a local battlefield depending where you live. The lesson could include handouts with maps and GPS locations. The use of a GPS device could incorporate technology and discuss how the use of satellite positioning is used. The locations on the battlefield could be found and historical moments could be taught in the field outside of the classroom.

Some of the benefits of a lesson like this include:

• incorporating technology
• history lessons
• active, less sedentary learning

This is a chance to involve experiential learning outside of a classroom.

This article really sums up much of what you could do with geocaching in the classroom.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6463503.html

This is a summary of what is contained in it:

• Don't these sound appealing to kids in a classroom?
• Searching for buried treasure
• Deciphering a map
• Encountering mysterious clues along the way
• Armed with GPS tracking devices
• Getting your hands dirty

Now this could make for a high-impact lesson according to the article. The authors believe few learning tools could be more appealing to kids.

What is Geocaching?

Accoring to http://www.geocaching.com "geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment."

So...what is a GPS device? According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System GPS is "The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based global navigation satellite system. It provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather, day and night, anywhere on or near the Earth." The device is the reciever purchased to coordinate your location via satellite.

So in other words it is orienteering (that is what it was called with a map & compass when I was a Boy Scout) with electronic technology using government satellites.

One of the main issues is defining what Open Source Software (OSS) is and what users can expect to find in software called open source. In reaction to many offerings that didn't work or at least didn't work as expected, the Open Source Initiative was created. Follow this link to the Open Source Org page. Next up will be what the Initiative is doing to standardize OSS.

So who uses Open Source Software

Obviously those looking for no cost software or if programming is necessary keeping the cost down by using a free product. So the list includes:

• teenagers
• college students
• small businesses

But also some unexpected users exist, such as:

• Google
• Yahoo
• Ticketmaster
• The city of Munich, Germany
• and finally Canada's federal government

Up next will be why would someone go this route....

What is Open Source Software?

From the research I can get on the web, open source software (OSS) is computer software which is not only open for the public to use but also for which the source code among other things typically protected by copyright holders. In order to truely be open source software it needs to meet the Open Source Definition. One unique feature is that allows the user to modify the software if they are so inclined and then share either the modified or unmodified version with others. It also may be developed publicly as a collaboration among many users or interested parties.

Next time I will discuss who might be using open source software...

1st ever!

This is it, I am now registered and apparently blogging! Stay tuned for more....

Eric S.