Where in the World: Using Google Earth and My Maps in Projects

Purpose & objective

The purpose of this presentation is to share the dynamic ways that Google Earth and Google My Maps were integrated into 4th grade projects, global collaborations, and project based learning at a United States military elementary school in South Korea. Participants will learn how to incorporate online mapping tools into a variety of different learning objectives, including but not limited to global collaborations, project based learning, and providing student voice and choice in all subjects. Participants will see how use of these technology tools promotes hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, and collaboration in the classroom. Participants will learn tips for using these tools and take back ideas to use in their own classrooms. One of our challenges is meeting the diverse needs of our transient population of military children, and making connections with places our students are from in the United States and have lived around the world from our location overseas. We will discuss how we have used Google Earth and Google My Maps in projects and global collaborations to help bridge those connections around the world. Our students were able to use these technology tools as part of intentionally-designed projects, but also to provide engaging journeys in all subjects and as a product choice to promote student voice and choice in the classroom. The evidence of success is the amazing projects that were created by the students, the level of classroom engagement, and the enjoyment that the students had while using these mapping tools to meet their learning goals.

Supporting research

Using Google Earth and My Maps technology tools in the classroom is a research-based best practice that connects learning goals in all subjects to hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, collaboration, and project-based learning. Online mapping tools allow students to see real-world applications, make connections to their learning, and motivates students to research, explore, and learn more. I am providing citations to multiple research papers and websites that support using online mapping tools in the classroom.

Creating With Google Earth: https://ditchthattextbook.com/google-earth-creation-tools/

Engaging Students Through Google Maps: https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/engaging-students-through-google-maps

Google My Maps Lesson Ideas: https://alicekeeler.com/2016/04/20/google-maps-lesson-ideas/

Kreos, Ülle. "Using Technology in Geography Lessons for Outdoor and Indoor Learning." Geophysical Research Abstracts. Vol. 21. 2019.

Layton, Rebecca D., Jo Ann Cady, and Christopher A. Layton. "Using Google Apps to develop the mathematical practices." Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School 23.2 (2017): 106-111.

Making Virtual Tours with Google Earth and Thinglink, Eric Curts, ISTELive 21 Creation Lab

Mejía Ávila, Doris, Carlos Sánchez Agámez, and Viviana Cecilia Soto Barrera. "Developing digital lessons to integrate social science teaching in Colombia using Google Earth." International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education 30.2 (2021): 112-131.

Moorman, Lynn A., and Susan Crichton. "Learner requirements and geospatial literacy challenges for making meaning with Google Earth." International Journal of Geospatial and Environmental Research 5.3 (2018): 5.

Sperano, Isabelle, et al. "Exploring new usages of journey maps: Introducing the pedagogical and the project planning journey maps." Congress of the International Ergonomics Association. Springer, Cham, 2018.

Vallera, Farah L., and Alec M. Bodzin. "Integrating STEM with AgLIT (Agricultural Literacy Through Innovative Technology): The Efficacy of a Project-Based Curriculum for Upper-Primary Students." International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education 18.3 (2020): 419-439.