H-P grant possibility

25 February 2004, 9:30 AM version
I'm certainly interested in the application of "pervasive computing paradigms" to what we do with teaching, and the H-P opportunity could lead us to an interesting experiment if it could be whipped into shape in less than a week. Below are some links that might help us think about the practicalities, but it will also require some heads-together talking if we're to meet the deadline.

The intersection Dave is interested in seems to involve GIS (ArcPad is ESRI's PDA software, and the iPAQ the default platform in ESRI's mind... though some other PDAs are also compatible), GPS (several possible solutions compatible with ArcPad), and networking of PDA's, either with one another or (potentially) with other platforms/protocols. Take a look at a few of the possibilities to get a quick update on technologies:

H-P's iPAQ line

ArcPad with Trimble GPSCorrect

Topcon GMS-100 for sub-meter accuracy

iPAQs use Bluetooth (see LAN configuration demo) as a built-in option (see compatibility matrix, and more links to other helpful resources). Another useful summary: Bluetooth Networking for your Palm, Pocket PC and Computer

Another cool possibility: coyotEYE™ GPS Camera

One piece I don't have any knowledge about: are there any basic incompatibilities between Bluetooth and the wireless protocol the W&L campus uses (that seemed to be the case 3 years ago)? Or is it just that we haven't yet made any use of the current versions of Bluetooth? (Just as a matter of interest, glance at the page I made ever so long ago... prescient, aren't we?).

The question would seem to be: can Geology design course modules that would make good use of the combination of wireless connection possibilities in the field and GPS and ArcPad possibilities? The latter two are obvious, the foremost a little less so. PDAs are usually used as bit-buckets, to collect data for dumping into REAL computers. Is it feasible to use them in other and more creative ways to accomplish pedagogical aims with a class? And how much software development time would be required to actually implement such a scheme? And WHO would do it? Answers to those questions pretty much need to precede an effective grant proposal.

Others who might have an interest in this technological intersection surely include the archaeology folks. I'm having difficulty thinking of others, alas... though Journalism is an outside possibility, since they've been quite interested in basic GIS/GPS for the advanced reporting course (I've done classes for Claudette Artwick for the last two years, and helped with student projects).

If the issue is laptops for field use, the situation is quite different. I haven't gone anywhere with that yet...