The Government Publications and Maps section (GPML) of MSE Library recently purchased 12 mobile GPS units (2 Trimble Ju
no GTs & 10 Garmin eTrex legend HC-x) that faculty and students can reserve for research or classwork. GPML and the Center for Educational Resources (CER) are pleased to announce a small grant program to encourage faculty’s integration of GPS units into their courses. Potential applications include:
- Capture spatial context during field assignments (e.g., archaeology digs, river sampling, location of plants, hazardous features, environmental incidents, movement of people, location of informal businesses)
- Assist students with mapping/large-scale measuring exercises (applied math, geography, structural engineering, sociology, business)
- Prevent students from getting lost in the field!
This grant program made available through a generous gift to the Sheridan Libraries. If you are interested in applying for a grant, please contact Mike Reese at mreese@jhu.edu. More information about the grants and information about applying is available after the break.
Grant Information
Grant awards up to $5,000 can be used to purchase additional software, maps, or peripheral devices. Grant funds can also be used to employ student workers to help faculty to plan the implementation or develop new materials (e.g., tutorials, supporting course websites, geocaching exercises).
The CER will provide basic technical assistance as needed to support the use of GPS in class teaching activities.
Application process
Faculty are requested to write a short proposal (3-4 paragraphs) describing how they will use the GPS units in their course, how the grant will be spent, and how they will assess the impact on student learning. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
- Curriculum integration of GPS units – do course assignments require the use of GPS units or are they optional? How do the assignments align with course objectives?
- Viable assessment plan – how will the faculty evaluate the impact on student learning?
- Cost Conscious – does it embraces a selective use of information technology while keeping implementation costs to a minimum?
Is this still the case now?
Having a grant available for students to take advantage of the GPS technology is wonderful. I was not even aware there were programs like this one available.