This weeks readings about integrating technology as a way to support virtual field trips was really exciting to hear about. Being that I teach high school students, I’ve been able to see how much knowledge older children lack when it comes to basic map skills. My students aren’t aware of the relationship between where they live and how the rest of the world is set up. I feel like using tools such as Google Earth, would make subjects like Global Studies more meaningful to them. Currently, they are able to remember most events, dates and the significance of these events in history, but when teaching them about conquerors or wars over land, this technology could help students see the importance of land space, and being located near water during these periods in time.
I really enjoyed reading about how technology could help your high school students strengthen their maps skills. As a student and as an adult I too have had difficulty reading maps and navigating my way around new places. Visual Maps are not so helpful to me. When I explored Google Earth, I realized I could plan my trips and my road maps by virtually going on the roads first. I am a kinesthetic learner so Good Earth is so useful to me. It’s amazing to find tools that can help teachers learn as well as teach.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to sharing how to use technology like Google Earth in the classroom to help some students overcome their difficulties with map awareness.