ICT Tools-Group 4 : Google earth, Google maps, Online concept maps, Google docs, museumbox.

ICT Tools- Group 4: Google Earth, Google maps, online concept maps, google docs, museumbox.

Google earth:

Is a virtual globe, map and geographical information program that was originally called Earth Viewer 3D. It maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography.

It enables students to see images from different parts of the earth with the ability to overlay streets/ roads with latitude and longitude. Students can see their own backyards.

Google earth is very investigative. It can trace your current location, which is quite interesting.

How can it be used in the classroom?

Google Earth would be great for teaching languages, the countries and the location could be traced and the students could closely see the physical origin of where that language is spoken. In English, the students study language and the authors, their location and origins could be investigated closely.  Google LitTrips seem quite interesting too. Teachers could create stories about the authors and their journey.

Resources:
Wikipedia

Google maps:

Is a web mapping service application and technology provided by google. Google maps satellite images are not updated in real time; they are several months or years old. Google maps provides a route planner under 'Get directions' .

Google maps would be great to create when planning school tours, this map could be viewed with students and the teachers that are going to be going on that tour. A tour to Germany for example. Not too sure how can google maps be used in the classroom.

Resource:
Wikipedia

Concept mapping:

Is a way of representing relationships between ideas, images, or words in the same way that a sentence diagram represents the grammar of a sentence. In a concept map, each word or phrase is connected to another and linked back to the original idea, word or phrase. Cocept maps are a way to develop logical thinking and study skills by revealing connections and helping students see how individual ideas form a larger whole.

Google docs:

Is an easy-to-use online word processor ,spreadsheet andperesentation editor that enables you and your students to create, store and share instantly and securely, and collaborate online in real time.You can create new documents from scratch or upload existing documents, spreadsheets and presentations. There is no software to download, and all your work is stored safely online and can be accessed from any computer.

How can google docs be used in the classroom?

• In group collaboration activities.
• Keep track of grades, attendance, or any other data- always available spreadsheet.
• Maintain, update and share lesson plans- in a single document.
• Track and organize cumulative project data- accessable to any collaborator at any time. Google (2012).

Museumbox:

Museum box provides the tools for you to build up an argument or description of an event, person or historical period by placing items in a virtual box. You can display anything from a text file to a movie. You can also view the museum boxes submitte by other people and comment on the contents.

How can Museumbox be used in the classroom?

• This would be a great tool for English and German, where authors such as Shakespeare could be represented in that box, or in German the countrie' s profile could be presented in the virtual box.

Extended information on Concept mapping.

Affordances:

Teachers:

• Can be used to aid oral, direct teaching presentations.
• Can be easily accessed online and the concept maps can be extracted and saved.
• Can be used in the classroom.
• Can be expanded and linked as much as needed.
•  Colours, size of lettering and layout can be chosen.

Students:

• Can create own concept maps, using Bubbl.us or Text2Mindmap.
• Can use concept maps for revision or to get ready for the tests.
• Can share concept maps online,

Positives:

• Can be used to activate prior knowledge.
• Can be used to organize and brainstorm the new information.
• Is fast and and efficient to create, use and save.
• Can provide meaningful context
• Can organize information into a logical format
• Can scaffold material for students.
• Can link information so it is not isilated chunks of material.

Negatives:

•  Concept maps only present words and links, other tools such as digital and audio and other materials will be needed to provide clearer links for various styles of learners.

Application:

• Activating prior knowledge.
• When learning new topics.
• Doing research.
• Making links between one thing/ concept and the other.
• Revising for a test.
• Scaffolding the material and selecting the more important links out of a big chunk of text and information.

I have used Bubbl.us for my previous university courses. Here are some created Bubblu.us:
I have enjoyed this and it helped me to think more about the topic and also be creative. Bubbl.us has also got different colours to match the strands of the ideas, which is very beneficial.