Google Maps proved itself to be a useful tool in the classroom.
Like most people, I have
set a destination and relied on google maps to get me where I need to go. I have had the usual frustrations, when there
is a discrepancy between the actual road and the virtual one. I have been relieved, when I can set the rout
to avoid crowded freeways, or use the option to take the scenic route. There have even been times when I actually
pre-printed the maps as an itinerary for a bigger trip. Yet, through all of these experiences, I had
never thought of bringing google maps into the classroom.
It all started when I was
introduced to the concept of a “Lit Trip” by my professor (Logan, Project 3.6.1). I thought this was an interesting idea and I
was eager to try it. So eager, that I
somehow accidentally created this experience in google maps instead of google
earth. In the back of my mind, I was
thinking that once I typed in the addresses and information, the views would
switch to google earth once I clicked to get a closer view. I honestly had fun
creating the Lit Trip in google maps, and I was excited to share it with little
learners. The response was positive, and
the six-year-olds were able to navigate the experience with very little
assistance.
Based on my experience,
my biggest critique was that google maps did not easily integrate between
google maps and google earth. I would
love it if a stop on my google lit trip in maps could show the 3D pictures and
clear images of that place alone (without getting lost in google earth).
Also based on my
experience, the other difficulty that I had was citing sources. I was not able to find the explore button in
google maps. Since I was trying to
create a Lit Trip in google maps, I wanted to clearly cite my information and
it seemed the only way was to add the web source after quoting. Yet this is not the best, because it does not
distinguish for students which are sources and which are links to find more
information from. Despite my mix-up, I
can see the value in google maps for students.
I realized that google
maps would be a great tool to introduce to students. Students can use the navigation in the many
ways I have used it, as I mentioned above.
Here are some, in-classroom examples:
Students could locate where a field trip would be and print the maps for
the parent volunteers. After sharing about
their weekend, students could locate it on the map and then show the class how
far it is from school. Students can find
a place in a book and map it to their location.
💗💗Overall my experience was positive,
and I would encourage teachers
to use google maps in their classroom.💗💗
Thanks for your post. I can see how one could easily get lost in some of these google apps. I do like the idea of using google maps with students. This would especially be helpful when trying to teach map reading skills. I do like to teach my students how to read a paper map though just in case they/ ever lose cell/internet service. (oh, the horror of that happening)! I also agree with your point that google maps and google earth do not easily marry together and that would definitely be a plus if they would. Kathy
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I can see how one could easily get lost in some of these google apps. I do like the idea of using google maps with students. This would especially be helpful when trying to teach map reading skills. I do like to teach my students how to read a paper map though just in case they/ ever lose cell/internet service. (oh, the horror of that happening)! I also agree with your point that google maps and google earth do not easily marry together and that would definitely be a plus if they would. Kathy
ReplyDeleteI think your excitement for this project had to excite your students to take their Google Map journey! I am glad that it worked the way you had planned for them. When we have positive experiences with technology, we are likely to try them again. So, I hope you do. Opening the eyes of littles to the world around them is a great way to engage them and help them become a global citizen. I know I was fascinated by the images I was seeing on the street view on Goggle Maps. Hopefully, our students would be too!
ReplyDeleteI know the frustration of thinking you were working inside one platform only to realize you were in the wrong one! I hope your Google Earth project goes well!
Thanks for your post! I could sense your excitement!
Diana
I loved reading how you integrated this exploratory assignment with live classroom teaching. Your hunger to implement what you learn is contagious! I was encouraged by you to implement Google Maps into my preschool classroom when we discuss our "my home" unit. It is a great way to let them see their home and it promotes conversations about neighborhoods and map making. I think incorporating Google Maps into your classroom of young learners is also laying a great foundation of learning to read and interpret maps which seems to be a skill going extinct these days with all our technological helps. Great job!
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