“Google Maps” is an amazing and helpful Web 2.0 tool! In the past, teaching culture from Spanish speaking countries was based on information found in textbooks, encyclopedia, and old videos. Now I am using“ Google maps”! Today more and more World Language Teachers are incorporating this tool into their lessons. As Krauss (2007) said, today’s technologies—and the merging “mashups” (it refers to Google Maps and Google Earth) help teachers to perform eight essential learning functions.
1. Ubiquity
2. Deep Learning
3. Making Things Visible and Discussable
4. Expressing Ourselves, Sharing Ideas, Building Community
5. Collaboration
6. Research
7. Project Management
8. Reflections
This month I started using “Google Maps” to teach geography and culture. It took me a week to create a few maps using the Google Map application interface and following directions from the tutorials. They are open to the public so teachers can use these projects after reviewing them. Most of my students knew how to search for places using “Google maps,” but they never used this tool to learn in depth about places like “Machu Pichu” in Peru or “Surfing in Costa Rica.”
By doing research I found out that many schools districts are incorporating this tool to teach different subjects. Warrensburg R-VI school district, for example, (http://www.warrensburgr6.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=382) has a Web page dedicated to “Google Maps.” I have to say that these examples are well organized and interesting. Personally I believe that “Google Maps” is a powerful tool that brings novelty and support to my learning environment. Students can explore the world without leaving the classroom. Google Maps can be used to create project-based learning that goes hand in hand with Bloom’s Taxonomy, Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory, and Brain-Based learning theory.
Krauss (2007) stated that starting with the essential learning functions technology could deliver a learning project. Unlike the quickly evolving tools themselves, essential learning functions are stable. In project based learning, having the functional ability to make things visible and discussable or to foster collaboration will always be important, even as the tools change (Krauss, 2007).
The following links will take you to “My maps.” These projects are examples of how Web 2.0 applications can be used to build new learning environments. I used them to introduce my students to this Web tool and they love it!
1. This project was created for Spanish 1 students. They explored all the Spanish speaking countries and learned their capitals and culture at the same time:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=117643342551515675530.00047fc458fa0b1e302d3&ll=2.153009,-52.294922&spn=106.9358,223.59375&t=h&z=3&iwloc=00048028ac023b9e1d6a5
2. This project was created for my Spanish 2 and 3 classes. They explored and learned about famous museums in Spain:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=117643342551515675530.00048034af20a6f365809&z=17
I teach history as well. Primarily I teach the major wars and conflicts that the United States has been involved in from the Spanish American War through the War on Terrorism. Due to time constraints I don't get as much into the cultural aspect of the nations involved. Using Google Maps and Google Earth the way you utilized them would allow my students to at least get more background in less time. This would enhance and I believe increase their knowledge and desire to learn the content.
ReplyDeleteMaritza! You've done it again! You've shown me another tool I really want to learn alot more about! I'm thinking that I could use this in my Texas History class. It's so hard for the students to grasp what the world looked like when the Spanish came to the New World and settled Mexico and how different Texas looked when it was actually its own country. This would really put it all together for them, I think. AMAZING! I'm really lovin' this Web 2.0!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Thank you Ursula and Terrie. I really appreciate your comments.
ReplyDeleteMaritza, I have questions! I would love to hear more about what you did with your students and how they responded to the project maps you created. What a great way for them to explore and discover! Awesome work!
ReplyDeleteThanks! My Spanish 1 students learned about Costa Rica and Surfing. At the end of this activity we had a round table discussion. They answered questions and reflected about the activity. Many of my students expressed that they will love to travel to CR.
ReplyDeleteMy Spanish 2 classes discovered Cuzco, Perú through Google Maps. These students were learning about "Machu Pichu." For them being able to see the Nazca lines were a good experience. They answered every question correctly even when there were Spanish concepts they never heard before. I am enjoying the journey with my students!