This is Cloud Computing, through which your can create your own PLS---which of course you are free to share with anyone you choose. According to the IEEE, Cloud Computing "is a paradigm in which information is stored on servers on the Internet and cached temporarily on clients that include desktops, notebooks, handhelds, etc." That definition should include every device capable of Internet connectivity.
Using a small, handheld and wireless device, it is possible to obtain your geographic location (latitude, longitude, altitude) anywhere in the world. GPS, the Global Positioning System, was originally the exclusive domain of the U.S. Department of Defense; however, in the 1980s, the system was made available to the public. As of 1994, a full constellation of 24 satellites was available, and the more of those your GPS unit can "see" the more accurately it can calculate your position.
Here's a beginner's guide to GPS---it's a .pdf of 9 pages.
Learning everywhere,
especially outside the classroom
2 comments:
Your model of Cloud Computing was a great visual aid because it makes the concept more succinct. Still, I wonder if the giant globe in the middle is a representation for a super-computer, or is it a representation of online storage space such as Google Earth, or maybe both.
I use to work with a GPS device in order to map invasive species at the Presidio several years ago. It would be interesting to see the additional satellites has allowed the GPS to work under bad weather conditions(one with a lot of clouds that prevent the signal from being detected by satellites).
I agree, great use of visuals, Walter. But didn't Einstein originally come up with the equation "Clouds+GPS+Context=Learning Everywhere"? Another case of blatant intellectual property rights violation!
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