In my READ411 class, we began discussing technology and its influence over the classroom. As an example of how technology can help students in the classroom without distracting them was Google maps. As a small assignment, we were required to place a marker on a map created by our professor to show that we could use the technology and how it can be helpful for students. I saw this helpful for myself as a student but also as a social studies teacher. Whether it be for the geography portion of class or for the history part, Google maps can be an interesting way for students to become interactive with the material. It was very easy as a student to go into Google maps and place a marker on the map with a description and a link to a picture of the place I was marking. Since I would like to be a middle school or high school teacher, I think that using Google maps will be an easier and better way for students to understand maps and destinations.
I saw Google maps particularly important for the geography portions of a social studies class. For example, Google maps allows the person to move throughout the map themselves, at their own pace, as well as manipulating it to any position that they would like. By having complete control over the map, the student can get a sense of the destinations surroundings. Also, the map is clearly colored and easy to read, as well as the option of zooming in and out to get a better idea about what each section says. Rather than having a boring worksheet that just shows one perspective and may be hard to read, Google maps gives the students more opportunities to understand the map and all the places on it. I think that is important for the geography part of a social studies class for a student to have full control over the maps they are working with so they can manipulate and interact with it anyway they need to.
As for the history portion of a social studies class, maps are just as important as the geography part. When discussing wars and locations of big events or specific battles, Google maps can be very important to show the students where these took place. Google maps will allow me as a teacher to move throughout the map and it will give students perspective on distance between battles and and attacks involved in the war. Maps have always been an important aspect of a social studies class but technology has helped maps become a more interactive concept for students.
Google maps is an amazing tool that can be used in the social studies classroom. Any place in the world can be visited virtually now with just a few strokes of the keys on your keyboard. Instead of using google maps I prefer using google earth. Google earth is a wonderful program that allows the user to type in any country in the world it the program will take you there. I found this program particularly useful when teaching a lesson about the countries that were involved in World War I. If you have not tried google earth I highly suggest you doing so.
ReplyDeleteMatthew, I think Keri points out a great way for students to interact with social study material with use of Google maps. But, you also pointed out another wonderful alternative to exploring destinations around the world with Google earth. I'm currently looking into Google earth myself and exploring the possibility of incorporating an art lesson with the use of Google earth. I recently found an artist who uses Google earth to look at innocent abstract images of faces hidden in the terranes of mountains and landscapes. Just like when you look at a clouds and observe certain shapes that transform into recognizable objects. I hoping to inspire students to use their imaginations with such a technology tool as Google earth.
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