Google Tip - Maps as Presentation

Its easy to think of ways to use Google Map and Google Earth in a Geography class.  But Google Maps can also be used in language arts class to provide a sense of place.

The famous Google Lit Trip, created by Jerome Burg,  offer a complementary experience to accompany many pieces of literature read in schools.  The LIT trips download on Google Earth  and provide place markers that open to provide additional information about the location, study guides to accompany the book, and more. Jerome has recently started to create some 100% iPad compatible projects that open and display well in Google Earth on the iPad.

An easy way to get started with a project like this is to use Google Maps to present information.
Take a look at how this teacher presents pieces of informational text that that her 2nd graders will read and discuss.   Her website includes an interactive map that she created using Google Maps.  The map was then embedded on her website for students to access.  When working with middle schools students on the 5 Themes of Geography,  the teacher could create the original map and  share the map with students and have them create a placemarker with links to their presentation about each country.

For more information on how to create a Google Map you can learn more on this quick overview from Google or you can dive into the wealth of resources Dave Davidson has assembled on creating Google Maps.  The video tutorial below can walk you through each step.

Recently I have discovered the My Map Editor Apps  which will allow you to create maps from your iPad.

And for those of you who would prefer the view on Google Earth,  try creating your map in Google Map, then downloading the KMZ or click on View in Google Earth link from your map.