Technology and Literacy

...your use of classroom technology is really impressive. Your students are fortunate to have this. I believe you exemplify how to use technology in a way that is much more involved. For example, “links” and interactive maps within Google earth rather than just “looking” at Google earth.

Hope MacVane-Tray, ETEP Supervisor

My use of technology

I enjoy technology, it has expanded and improved my ability to learn about the world. I am constantly amazed that I can fit a library in my pocket. I want all of my students to be able to realize the power and potential of the digital age and to be able to access information in a knowledgeable and discriminating fashion.

Below are some of my favorite technologies for promoting literacy and exploration in the classroom by making content more relevant, accessible, and engaging for students.

Google Classroom
Google Earth
Google Forms
Google Docs
Google Sheets
Google Drive

Global Mapper
Hour of Code
MIT App Inventor
NearPod
Pear Deck
Evernote

Padlet
Kahoot
Minecraft EDU
Edmodo
Quizlet
Quizlet Live

Spotlight on Google Earth & Diigo

Google Earth

Google Earth is one of my favorite tools for engaging students in exploration and discovery. One powerful feature is that you can create data layers by adding multiple KML files in individually and managing them from 'My Places' in the iPad version of the application. Clicking on each 'data layer' (red boxes below) activates and deactivates the layers, respectively.

This feature allows students to analyze multiple data sets and factors with respect to a location of interest. In the example below, students are asked to assess geologic risk factors like shaking amplification, liquefaction and landslide risk as well as social factors like population density and average household income.

Producing KMZ/KML files for distribution requires the use of the desktop application for managing data, but the KML and KMZ files can be distributed through Google Classroom using the assignment option, just like any other Google file.

They will load directly into Google Earth from Google Classroom as well!

For teachers: How to create and distribute KMZ files

Google Earth Lesson Plans:

Google Earth Scavenger Hunt

Hazard Mapping with Google Earth

Below: Hazard Mapping in Google Earth, 2 layers

Learning Objective: Hazard mapping uses evidence and scientific reasoning to apply theory of plate tectonics to role in shaping Earth.

Student Centered Learning Objective: I can use evidence and scientific reasoning to apply the theory of plate tectonics to its role in shaping the natural and built environment.

Below: Google Earth Scavenger Hunt

This is based on an activity my mentor teacher, Ryan Green would use in the classroom. I created the KMZ with place markers that have linked information. After some testing, I developed a strategy for pushing out individual student copies of Google Earth KMZ files out using Google Classroom.

Learning Objective: Students will familiarize themselves with the tectonic boundary types; convergent, divergent, transform and subduction. Students will learn how to identify different boundary types by geologic features on the surface, and identify the types of plates involved as well as the direction of plate movement.

Student Centered Learning Objective:

I can identify the types of geologic features that form at each kind of plate interaction.
I can deduce the type of plate interaction that created a given geologic formation.
I can develop a strategy for identifying nearby plate boundaries and interactions when placed in a random location.

On the left is one of the 'information nodes' or placemarkers in the Google Earth Scavenger Hunt. Students would navigate to each location by tapping on the KMZ file in Google Earth that was distributed using Google Classroom.

The legend on the upper left is from the United States Geological Society's Plate Boundaries KMZ file, which we imported into Google Earth when exploring as a group.

Diigo

This application allows for the annotation of websites and other web content. A powerful tool that enables teachers to add highlights, definitions, guiding questions, and annotation of websites that can be shared with students.

Frequently, websites will have great information and visuals but will use terms and vocabulary that may be slightly different than what we are using in class or data representations that we do not use very often.

Diigo allows me to highlight and annotate the internet for my students!

Google Sites

Report abuse