-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Is GPS All in Our Heads?
Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:41:14 -0600
From: Joel Kovarsky <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]>


On 2/6/12 9:22 AM, Angie Cope, American Geographical Society Library, UW
Milwaukee wrote:
>
> It is just an opinion--no real science behind it at all.

If one accepts this comment, then one would have to acknowledge that
there may be no "real science" behind either impression. It may take a
long time to know what detriments occur, but there may be some
similarity in considering the declining ability to make basic
mathematical calculations-for some groups--with heavy reliance on
calculators. And no one will give up calculators...nor should they.

I have watched many people use the GPS devices to find restaurants, etc.
All that added information plugged into the device undoubtedly is put to
some use, but there would be little to support the idea that this
improved people's basic way-finding skills. What the culture wants and
uses and relies on is not necessarily in the best basic educational
interests of the individual. And there is little evidence that these
sorts of concerns will diminish use of the technology, although there
may be a warning not to let other sorts of way finding skills atrophy
entirely.

       Joel Kovarsky