E.Learning and Google Maps

"Google Maps" is similar to Google Earth because it allows teachers and students to find and study maps. However, it is user friendly in the sense that it is an online tool, so no downloading is needed, therefore it is accessible to students so long as the computers are connected to the Internet (Google Sites, 2010.) Also, Google Maps displays actual addresses in the maps of many countries, therefore as a teaching resource it is a fantastic interactive way for students to get “point-to-point, draggable directions plotted on an interactive street maps.” (Google Sites, 2010.)

As a research tool students can look up public transit options and study Yellow Pages listings with reviews, business information and discounts. Students can move freely and easily between maps, such as satellite, terrain, and street view to get different perspectives on a location (Google Sites, 2010.)

Like Google Earth, Google Maps can be used for an array of learning topics including history, geography, social studies and economics. Google Maps are editable therefore, students can add or move objects on their individual or groups' map, such as; the school, local swimming pool or shopping centre, thus creating a new map (Google Sites, 2010.)

An example of effective use of this digital tool in pedagogy, such as under the banner of the Big Six and the Learning Engagement Theory (Berkowitz et al, 2001. Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999.) is that Google Maps is a great way to plan excursions. A school camp for example, students can “create personalized, annotated, customized maps ” (Google Sites, 2010.) leading up to camp event itself. After the camp, students would then be encouraged to upload photos, videos, and descriptive text from camp to make their map come alive. Once students are happy with the final product they can then publish, share, and invite others to view and add to the map.

Some other Google Maps ideas that have been used in classrooms (Google Sites, 2010.);

Art History: Search for photos and user-created maps showing famous museums like the Louvre.

Earth Science: Use this Google Maps Mashup to locate and learn about recent earthquakes around the world.

Environmental Science: See how Google and the United Nations Environment Programme teamed up to use collaborative MyMaps for the International Cleanup Weekend Initiative.

Physics: Learn how one teacher used Google Maps with his 9th grade class to teach speed, velocity and displacement.

References:

Berkowitz. B., Eisenberg. M., & Johnson. D. (2001). The Big 6 - Information & Technology Skills for Student Achievement: Skills Overview. Accessed July 22, 2010 from http://www.big6.com/2001/11/19/a-big6™-skills-overview/

Google Sites. (2010). For Educators: Google Maps. Accessed July 22, 2010 from http://www.google.com/educators/p_maps.html

Google Sites. (2010). Google Maps. Accessed July 22, 2010 from http://maps.google.com/maps

Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Accessed July 22, 2010 from http://home.sprynet.com/%7Egkearsley/engage.htm