Teaching the World

Previously on this blog, I shared my Google Map lesson plan. Here's how that lesson plan went.

Being able to use the Google Map was an excellent tool, I felt like everyone was truly able to see everyone else's work in a new and visual way. This worked well. The actual country information didn't work as well. I had misjudged the time (my college students researched at the same pace as my actual third graders), and so they didn't label all three points, which was what would have met my objective.

I also didn't guide the students the way I would have my 3rd graders. Some of my group members felt that this was a mistake. I felt like it gave them freedom to research, but maybe I'll try being more hands on next time.

I used a class Google Map that I had the students label. Each student chose a country and then three points within that country to research. I had set an example of what I wanted in France on the map. I felt like the technology really lent itself well to this lesson. Everyone was able to easily see everyone else's work, and visualize where the points were on the map- the technology aspect didn't feel at all forced. But while the lesson plan didn't go over, it didn't allow the students enough time to finish their three points. However, the lesson did start late because of some problems with the computers loading.

The students didn't meet the objectives, only one of them successfully created three points, and none of them had five details for all of their points. Again, I think a lot of this had to do with time, and the comments supported this. (It would be best as an ongoing project rather than a contained lesson.) However, I think that standard wise, they were able to explore the use of maps and cultures as I had hoped. I think the comments also supported this. (You had an example ready to go, we knew exactly what you expected of us and you were willing to help us succeed in the lesson. This was a really cool use of google maps. I've never used it for this before... I would definitely use this in my future classroom! Great idea, Rebecca. I think the lesson allowed children to be creative and explore their own interests at their own pace.)

From this lesson, I learned how nicely technology can integrate into an appropriate lesson. I also learned what a valuable tool Google Maps can be. However, I also learned that I need to give myself more time to teach than I actually expect- even with college students! And that I should be hands on with college students, even if they complain about it later. I will try and incorporate those lessons into my next lesson plan.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zIgtHQ7F26l0.k2nOeukg6Xqo&usp=sharing