Today as I explored Google Maps Lite, I was able to make a Family Fun Map of my community. Google instructors emphasize that you should tell a story when making the map. Since storytelling is a main emphasis of the fourth grade program, I immediately began to see connections. I was also struck once again by the fact that 21st century storytelling takes many more paths than the old fashion essay on white lined paper.
How will my students use this tool to explore their community, United States regions, and the world?
How will I teach this tool next fall as students begin using maps with greater strength to explore their world?
I'll begin the year by making a map with the students. That map will include the places where we live as well as our favorite local places to play and learn. That will be a good way to get to know one another while making a useful resource for the entire class. Later, we'll explore U.S. regions and our cultural histories using these tools.
Google is changing the way we communicate and think about our world in significant ways. Their description of learners as "explorers" brings creativity, adventure, and enthusiasm to this task.
Similar to when I made my first iMovie, Google presentation, Animoto, screencast or any other digital project, there's a lot of trial and error going on. I watch a little video, try it out, watch some more, try again, rewind, revise, review, reflect and repeat. Learning today is an amazing new adventure.
If you're embarking on this mapping journey, let me know. What have you learned so far? How do you plan to use this learning with your students?
