A group-learning approach to academic and transferable skills through an exercise in the global positioning system

An undergraduate tutorial project, based on the utility and application of the global positioning system (GPS) to geographical problems, offers the potential to develop a wide range of academic and transferable skills. A broad understanding of the accuracy, precision and limitations of GPS to geographical issues is provided. This knowledge is developed though a small-group exercise, encompassing skills such as teamwork, project formulation and design, local fieldwork and literature searches. Additionally, the exercise may act as a valuable precursor to a more successful undergraduate research project, since the constraints imposed by such a venture, from conception to conclusion, have been experienced, and the need for flexibility identified.