The Track Stick receives signals from twenty four satellites orbiting the earth. With this information, the Track Stick can precisely calculate its own position anywhere on the planet to within fifteen meters.Battery life is somewhat limited right now (16 hours on regular power, up to 5 days on low power), but you know that will change. So, you buy one of these and put in your teenager/spouse/significantother's purse/car/backpack and then retrieve it later - then load it into Google Maps or Google Earth . . .
The Track Stick records its own location, time, date, speed, heading and altitude at preset intervals.
While visiting family, friends or even shopping, the Track Stick can accurately time and map each and every place you have been.
What's the educational relevance? I'm not sure yet (other than the obvious geocaching type applications), but to me this is just another indication of how everything is changing so quickly and how we need to address a whole bunch of issues in a hurry. What does it mean for education when we're apparently headed for an almost completely transparent existence? Makes me think of The Truman Show . . .
Wow! This is truly amazing, in a good and bad way! I have On Star in my car and thought that was cool. As a parent I think this could probably be the best thing next to sliced bread. My kids aren't teenagers yet but maybe I can stick it on their bikes and trikes and then if they lie to me about riding out of the "riding zone" on our street I can check the Track Stick to see whose house they really did ride to and how far out of the zone they ventured. Ahhh...the power I would have over them! On a more serious note, I can see how this could be very beneficial with teenagers. Beyond the personal use, this is pretty scary and "creepy" (to quote Karl). Who could and would watch us? Why? It reminds me of "Farenheit 451". I am not too sure about this but on Franklin Cr. I can see how it would be great.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the lack of rights our children have. I know that it is for our peace of mind and certainly keeps your teenagers honest (if they know it's there), but wow, I'm not sure I like the idea of sneaking it into the car or purse to track someone. It makes the crazy reality show Cheaters' job a lot easier!
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