Description:

The course format „GPS Format“ allows e-learning content to be displayed according to the geo coordinates of the learner.

This enables location-based mobile learning or simple geocaching. Learners who use a GPS enabled Web Browser on a Smartphone could take the advantage of this course format. Location services based on WLAN or the phone providers data will not work well due to missing precision.

In events like a city rally, the learner walks between predefined locations using a smartphone or tablet PC. At these stations the learner gets certain information and tasks that are directly related to the location. All conceivable Moodle content like text, pictures, videos or tests can be used.

The trainer is able to integrate new content at his desktop PC, by simply creating a new Moodle course. The GPS format largely matches the popular topics format. Every topic section can contain different material or activities. In a second step specific topic sections can be assigned to the corresponding GPS coordinates where they should be visible. After the installation of the course format "GPS Format", Moodle courses can be created in the new format and existing courses can be transferred into the new format with only one click.

Demo Video:

The demo video shows the Version 1.2 of the GPS plugin. From the version 1.3 and 1.4 on trainers do the GPS settings a bit different. Following the Moodle standards it is now done directly in the settings of the topics themselves.

Hint: Please be indulgent with my English pronunciation in the demo video. I didn't want to wait for a native speakers help to publish this helpful course format early together with a demo video.

How to install:

Follow the instructions of the Moodle documentation:
https://docs.moodle.org/en/Installing_add-ons

The correct path on your Moodle server is:
/path/to/moodle/course/format/

Support:

This is usually an unsupported version of the course format.
If you ask kindly you can contact Barry Oosthuizen who helped us to develop the plugin.
The ka:media Team could also help from time to time.

Background information:

ka:media developed the GPS course format in a „Pro“ version for Totara and its own systems. The focus lies on country-specific learning, mobile learning in large commercial spaces and the efficient training of rescue and delivery services.

The team discovered already in the developing process, that a GPS format will be a very helpful tool for a broad range of users, e.g. teachers or in tourism.

To support the meanwhile great development of Moodle in the area of mobile applications, ka:media decided to publish the GPS format in a version, which is without any fee-based support and can be installed by every Moodle administrator.