6+-+Google+Tour+and+Maps


 * Module 6: Google Tour & Maps**

__ **Objectives** __ In this module, you will:
 * Learn about online mapping tools and mapping applications/mashups
 * Utilize online mapping tools and mapping applications/mashups
 * Consider methods for implementing mapping tools/applications/mashups in classroom instruction

__**Introduction**__ Google Maps and Microsoft's Bing Maps have many more uses than just searching for good places to eat or getting driving directions. There are many resources that they provide for educators, not to mention the personalization tools they provide for your life outside of school. In module 6 you will explore the deeper side of these tools and learn how you can use these mapping applications in your classroom and personally.

__**Class Reading Assignment**__ View the videos below to begin to develop a greater understanding of how maps and mapping applications on the Internet are changing the way we interact with these applications. While viewing, continually consider how these applications may be applied within your classroom instruction/content/delivery.

__//Google Maps Introduction Video//__ media type="youtube" key="ADbeCHQLUpk" height="405" width="500"

//__Google Maps Introduces Earth View in Web Browser__// media type="youtube" key="YHe3ag3i8v8" height="323" width="528"

__//An Explanation of Some of the Unique Features in Bing Maps//__ media type="youtube" key="U0Z3NSff3I0" height="323" width="528"

To explore some of these tools first hand, and to learn more about map mashups, see the Links and Resources section at the bottom of this page. Look specifically at the Online Maps and Online Maps Mashups/Tools sections.

If you are unfamiliar with Google Earth, do some basic research to learn more about the application. Then, explore this very interesting and innovative resource on creating a virtual literature trip using Google Earth: @http://www.googlelittrips.com/GoogleLit/Home.html Consider how this alternative use of Google Earth could be used in your classroom (even if you are not a literature teacher).

__**Module 6 Action Assignment**__ In this module you are encouraged to explore, contribute and create inside of these mapping applications. You will share your contributions via annotated links in the blog post: Exploration of Mapping Tools -Using Google or Bing Maps explore the tool and create a personalized map that includes destinations, routes, annotations, or any other element you find useful for your personal or classroom use. -Using a wiki mapping tool (WikiMapia, Open Street Map, or other tools), contribute a few links, resources, places, or information to the wiki map. Share the link and tell us what you've added in your annotation of the link (this will indicate what we should be looking for).

__**Module 6 Discussion Questions**__ After reviewing the mapping tools and applications in this module, tell us how you would use some of these mapping tools/applications in your classroom and what makes them great! Respond to at least one other posting. Post your ideas on the Uses for Mapping Tools in My Classroom blog post

__**Links and Resources**__ Google Earth Resources for K-12 Classroom [] Google maps tour movie: [] A site for educators: [] Virtual Earth 3D [|http://maps.live.com]

[|**Comparison of web map services**]


 * Online Maps**
 * OpenStreetMap - World map wiki in which users can add points of interest for everyone to see.
 * Google MapsPowerful map,directions, services search engine that can be edited, saved, and used for a wide variety of reasons. Very flexible and fairly easy to use.
 * Bing MapsVery similar to Google Maps, Bing Maps is Microsoft's version of an online map application. Many of the same features.
 * MapQuestYet another online mapping application. Not quite as many features as Bing or Google maps, but still useful.
 * WikiMapiaMuch like Open Street Map, this is a map wiki. Slightly more functional and easy to maneuver, this allows users to share points of interest with the world.


 * Online Maps Mashups/Tools**

While the mapping applications are powerful and impressive, it is what is being done with these tools that is most intriguing. Using the interface and data from these mapping applications, developers are creating "masups" that link information from one source on the Internet with information from the mapping software. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of these online mapping mashups that you can view and use. Whether it be a winery tour mashup, Wines and Times,or a map that shows where you would end up if you dug a hole straight through the center of the earth, Tall Eye Dig A Hole Mashup, these mashups could be useful for any educator interested in showing the link between content and geography. They can also be fun.

Here are some sites that show a wide variety of these mashups: Mashups - 100 Google Maps Mashups 100 Things to do with Google Maps Mashups

Whether you're impulsively looking for a cheap Spring Break week, carefully researching that long-awaited exotic dream vacation, or anything in between, Google Maps can help you plan, and enjoy, the best possible travel experience.
 * Plan your trip with Google Maps:**

[|How Stuff Works Video on Google Earth]
 * Teach Area and Perimeter Using Google Earth**
 * Explore Bing Maps**