Journal 7: Mapping

I chose to look into the tool “mapping”. Mapping is using a search engine that provides maps and pictures of earth that can be used to assist in an assignment or learning of some sort. When I first read mapping as a tool, I thought there were very few uses for internet maps in a classroom. While reading in the classroom 2.0 discussions about mapping as a tool in the classroom, I learned some very interesting ideas and learned that these maps are actually very helpful and beneficial in a classroom. One of the threads I read discussed the use of Google Maps to assist in a postcard exchange project where anyone can add to the class’s created map of important landmarks, locations, and/or unique aspects of various states. This allows students to use Google maps to learn more about the world around them. It would be a great assignment/project for a geography class or even an English/language arts class. Another thread I read discussed the use of mapping as a project where they are able to add postmarks and personalize the maps with text and colors. This allows students to use their creativity in a project while learning the maps of specific parts of the world. Mapping is a great tool for classroom projects and seems to be very popular based on the blogs posted by many teachers. If anyone is looking for more information about mapping, this website provided much information and ideas: http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=maps