Mapping Tools

Web-based mapping tools are not just for getting directions these days, instead they have become a useful internet tool that provides users with a variety of information. Mapping tools provide users with visuals of places, distances, and different forms of data. The data can vary from weather happenings to the location of theme parks around the world. Many mapping tools now also use satalite images which allow the user to view a much more accurate representation of a given area. Along with the sattalite image of the area, using google maps, users now have the ability to view local pictures of an area.

Google Maps

Google Maps offers a "My Maps" feature which allows the user to plot and describe points of interest on a world map so when they're clicked on, the title of the point and description appears. My maps allows for collaboration. The creator simply enters the email address of people he/she would like to have make additions to their map. These people then have the freedom to add to the user's map. Using the "My Maps" feature on Google Maps, the user can also connect points of interest with lines to show a route and figure out the distance between the two points. I found it fairly easy to create my own map of points, however I feel like my 6th grade students may struggle with "My Maps" as it is not very kid friendly. Once a mistake is made, reversing it requires a control click on the mistake and then a scroll to delete. There is not a clearly defined delete button on the screen and if the user selects the undo arrow located on the tool bar, the map that is being worked on is replaced with the google home screen.

Below you will find a map I created which I plan to use with my students. It illustrates the journey a main character experienced for a novel we will read in class.
My Map

pbwiki

I just created my own wiki and I have to say it was pretty easy to do. I used pbwiki website when creating my wiki. Pbwiki allows you to create fully functional wikis for free. PBwiki only charges a fee if the user requires the use of special features that most of us will never need. This wiki site is great because it allows you to make your wiki private so it is safe you use with students.

Here is my "wikicircles" page which I plan to use for literature circles in my classroom:
http://wikicircles.pbwiki.com/

Wikis

A wiki is a collaboration tool that allows users to edit/add to a webpage quickly and easily. I think wiki’s are great to use in the classroom when working on school assignments that require collaboration. To learn more about wikis click here.

Language Arts ideas for using wikis in the classroom:

Peer Editing: The writing process involves many steps. Peer editing is one of the most helpful steps for the writer. This step involves the writer receiving feedback about his/her writing from a fellow student. Having another student’s interpretation of the piece is very beneficial to the writer when trying to generate a final paper. Wikis make the editing process quick and easy. The writer can post his/her work on a wiki page and then have the editor access the page. The peer editor then has the freedom to add, delete, change, or suggest any improvement to the writer’s text. To make viewing the differences between the original and edited text easy, the editor can choose a different color text for revisions or the writer can view the original saved document and the newer document.

Literature Circles:
Literature Circles involve a small group of students reading the same novel. The students analyze their novel through group discussions and together try to answer questions that come about as they read their book. Wikis provide a webpage where the collaboration can take place. As the students are reading, they can post their thoughts and questions for their group members to read. Each group member has the freedom to add to the group’s discussion. These online discussions free up classroom time to focus on other areas of the curriculum. As many teachers value Literature Circles, they sometimes find them difficult to incorporate in the classroom because of amount of classroom time consumed.

Jing Project?

The Jing Project is an excellent tool for both teachers and other professionals. Jing is an online program that allows the uses to instantly capture images displayed on their screen and add useful features to help visually explain a direction or concept. The users must first select on their screen what to capture. Next, the user can choose to add text boxes and arrows on their selected image or narrate as they are go through steps to complete a task or explain a concept. The explanation/conversation is recorded and then easily accessed as it is given a URL address.

Jing Project Download Page: http://jingproject.com/

Jing Blog: http://blog.jingproject.com/

What about educational Jing possibililties?

I believe the Jing Project has much educational potential. It is great for teachers to use in the classroom as it includes both visual images and sound. These features enhance teaching and are a tremendous help for students who are visual or audio learners. Also, the tool can be used by teachers to provide extra support for students who are struggling to complete a task or get a concept. This is an easy and quick way for teachers to provide extra instruction without having to meet with the student. Instead, a teacher can provide good explanation to student who is at home and does not require a face-to-face meeting. Finally, the Jing Project is incredibly easy and quick to use. It does not require an extensive technology background to operate and is fast. I’m a 6th grade middle school teacher and believe that my students would not have any problem using the Jing Project. The time it takes to record your message is about the time it takes to create a video. Overall, the Jing Project is an impressive and useful tool that I see myself using often.

Below is a recording I will use with my studetns. It explains how to setup a Word Document for my class:
My Jing