Human nature being what it is, no basic training a/c should have GPS fitted. If you get lost or "temporarily unsure of your position" you should be able to get out of it without having to resort to modern technology. I don't agree that low time students should know every in and out before they go off on their own. The basics yes but there is enough for them to think about already.
I agree wholeheartedly with WWW that stude's should not go near a GPS until they have mastered maps.
IO540 the reason you get instructors jumping up and down about GPS (and I'm nowhere near being grey) is that it does degrade the basic skills, just read GASIL etc. for tales of people calling D&D because their GPS has failed.
Get the basics right and then we'll teach you how to put the cream on top. That's speaking as PPL, CPL instructor and IRI. If you 'aint got the first bit right you're wasting my time and YOUR money. Who would do circuits without doing climbing and descending first???