Week 5 Group 4 Tools- Google Maps

I had a look at a number of the group 4 tools but was especially interested in Google Maps. This impressive technology has a number of uses and could be used across various subjects. One function of Google Maps is that it can calculate the exact distance between two points as well as giving you a number of possible directions to get between the two points and it also estimates the time it would take to get to your destination. In a HPE and sport setting I can see Google Maps having some use. For example, if you were a fitness coach wanting to map out a road run for your football team during pre season training Google Maps is something that could help you do this by calculating distance and the approximate time this might take. Google Maps would also be especially useful for geography. Another thing is that Google Maps uses both satellite images and street maps which is good because it caters for people who will have varying uses for this tool.

Positive	Negative	Interesting
·         Could be used across a wide range of key learning area's ·         Wide range of functions ·         Flexible in its use- eg. uses satellite images but can be converted to street maps depending on what it is being used for	·         I don't see how it could be used for assessment purposes-may be more useful for one off lessons ·         Need to monitor students in making sure they use it appropriately	·         Could be used as a navigator-giving distances and times between places

Google Maps is undoubtedly a great piece of technology; the challenge for us as teachers is how it fits into the curriculum and when and why we would use it in the classroom.

Cheers
Lachlan