Changing How We Look at Maps

I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time last week.  Part of the Social Studies department was going over their curriculum for the next week.  It was, once again, time for their learners to create a map of Asia.  Wait, did you say create a map?  I LOVE maps as you can tell from one of my former blog posts.  The educators and I gathered together to look at a few example maps I have and I was able to show them how to make maps meaningful.

Did you know you can change the base map to show different types of map?

Did you know you can use the search feature to find locations on a map and add to your map a marker?

Did you know you can add images and videos of to a marker on a map?

Did you know you can draw lines to follow where a river flows through a region?

Did you know you can draw you own shapes on a map to indicate a particular area?

Did you know you can add layers to a map so you can categorize types of markers so you can pick when and what the map should display?

The educators put a list together of the items learners would need to add to their map.

Typically you can create maps using an iPad, but I figured a way around that by creating a map in my Google Drive account, sharing the link to my map and having the learners make a copy of the map.  It worked great!  I was so excited we could figure out a way for this to be done on iPads!!

After the first set of morning classes the educators said their learners were as excited about maps as I am!  Learners asked if they could work on the assignment at home.  Yes!!

My heart is so happy there are others out there who love maps as much as I do now!  How can you use Google My Map to engage your learners with the content?