Using Web2.0 tools in the Geography Classroom

Today I am going to show you some great Web2.0 tools that can be used in the Geography classroom (and some stories to go with them). What is important from today's presentation is that these are just tools, they are there to enhance your teaching, not take over. So, when you are planning a lesson or a unit of work, consider why you are using it, and it if will make the lesson effective...

My Top 10 Web 2.0 Tools in the Geography Classroom

Resources from this Presentation

Year 12 Climate Change ScoopIt

Google Maps - AGTA 109 Meeting

Web 2.0 Resources and other things....

Edudemic - 100 Best Web 2.0 tools chosen by you

Ted Ed

Digital Blooms Taxonomy Quicksheets from Educational Origami's wikispace.

Effective Digital Pedagogy in a 1:1 Classroom

Even if you have a 21st century classroom, flexible and adaptable; even if you are a 21st century teacher; an adaptor, communicator, leader and a learner, a visionary and a model, a collaborator and a risk taker; even if your curriculum reflects the new paradigm and you have the facilities and resources that could enable 21st century learning - you will only be a 21st century teacher if how we teach changes as well. Our pedagogy must change.

Educational Origami (NZ teacher and amazing blogger)

According to Ian Jukes, 21st century learners need to be fluent in:

• The use of technology = technological fluency
• Collecting, processing, manipulating and validating information = information fluency
• Using, selecting, viewing and manipulating media = media fluency

Taken directly from the 21st century Fluency Project

Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom

Web 2.0 Resources and other things....

Edudemic - 100 Best Web 2.0 tools chosen by you

Ted Ed

Digital Blooms Taxonomy Quicksheets from Educational Origami's wikispace.

A 30 Minute Overview - Web 2.0 in the Classroom

Web 2.0 are tools that allow you to collaborate, share and create online. For educators, not only does it provide for interesting, engaging and collaborative projects in the classroom, it will also save you time in your teaching.

Today I will show you just a small portion of tools that you can use. There are many out there, and once you start looking, some will become invaluable. However, it is important to consider the following before you embark on your Web 2.0 journey.

1. What is the purpose of the activity/lesson/assessment?
2. Will it create an effective learning experiences for the students?
3. How do you know that this has worked?

What Do You Know About Web 2.0?

Replace audience response hardware with Poll Everywhere

Create your own sms poll at Poll Everywhere

Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom

Poll Everywhere

This is a tool that allows you to create 'polls' for your classes. You can send through a link to the students or embed it into your blog, wiki or OneNote. Think creatively as to how you can use this tool - a discussion creator, a quiz for revision, a tool for formative assessment at the beginnin and end of a unit...

Wordle

This is a toy for generating 'word clouds' from text. Many people in this room have already used Wordle before in the classroom. However, its simple application can work beyond a brainstorming tool. Consider the use of Wordle in the drafting process of extended written pieces, so that students can establish if they have addressed the main themes or concepts in their writing. It is also a great tool to show learning from the beginning to the end of a unit of work.

Glogster

A Web 2.0 tool that allows students to create 'online' posters. Each student will need to sign in, however the education version is free. This is a great tool for single lesson activities, to create chapter summaries or as a smaller assessment task. An example of an interesting Glogster - The Moon.

Web 2.0 Tools That Save You Time

YouTube

Many of you already use YouTube to find videos and documentaries for your classroom. You can also subscribe to various channels and the most recent videos will be sent to your page. Use TubeChop to cut longer videos to the sections you want, and DragOnTape to create a mixed tape of YouTube videos.

Twitter

Twitter is not only a place to tell the world about your life. It is a great search engine and tool for professional development. Sign up and 'follow' various news groups and recognised tweeters and information will be sent to you.

RSS Feeds

The RSS Feed is a symbol that appears on most websites, news sources and blogs. You can sign up to a RSS Reader (such as Google Reader) and it will send any articles from these sources to your Reader. In your reader, you can categorise according to topics. This may also be useful for senior students to sign up to.

Other Resources

The 100 Best Web2.0 Tools For the Classroom 2011

TGTA - Using Web 2.0 in the Geography Classroom

Today I have 90 minutes to show you some great tools that will enhance your teaching of Geography. These are all internet based and free. Some are focused on making your life easier in when searching for resources, the others are for use in the classroom.

Firstly, some inspiration...

What is Web 2.0?

View more presentations from Rebecca Nicholas.

Twitter

Twitter can be used as both a search tool and also a tool in the classroom. An educational and more secure version of Twitter in the classroom is called Edmodo.

Twitter can also be used as a teaching tool in the classroom. Some examples on how to do this are found in the following slideshare presentation - Tweeting Geography.

Google Maps

Google Maps is a great tool in the Geography classroom. Below is a video that will explain how to create a 'Google Map' in the classroom.



Other Useful Videos on Google Maps

Google Maps Introduction

Get the Weather with Google Maps

I have used Google Maps with students in class for both class activities and assessment tasks. Here are two examples below:

Year 11 Geography Field Trip - Mornington Peninsula

Year 9 Geography - Natural Disasters

Other Resources

Google For Educators

Google Lat Long Blog

Gapminder

Gapminder is one of the best tools available to analyse demographic data and population statistics. This workshop will show you what Gapminder can do and provide you with some ideas on how to use this great website in your Geography classroom.

Hans Rosling stated that 'There is no such thing as a western world or a developing world’. He followed on to say that:

Geography teachers and pupils are familiar with the concepts of 'less' and 'more' developed countries (LEDCs and MEDCs), of 'developed' and 'developing' countries and a global 'North-South Divide'.

For many years these concepts have helped students learn about inequality, however in recent decades there has been significant global convergence between these 'developed' and 'developing worlds', so much so that these concepts and terms no longer fit. In fact, they are wrong and if we use them we risk leaving students with a flawed view of the world that ignores recent economic and social change that has affected billions of people.

There is a need for geography teachers to challenge our assumptions, to change mindset and use a different vocabulary to describe the world. Young people need modern understanding of their diverse and changing world that is drawn from the reliable data that actually exists; they need this to understand the real change that is happening in their places and lives, and in the lives of others.

Geography has a powerful role to play in allowing students to build a current and knowledge-based world view, and to develop their understanding of meaningful data that is distinct from political discourse and personal opinion.

To read the rest of this article go to the following link - Geographical Association - Gapminder and World Mapper.

Gapminder was founded in February 2005 with the aim of providing facts and statistics to debunk myths people had about the difference between developed and developing countries. Hans Rosling, one of the founding members spoke for the first time at a TED conference in 2006.



There are also links to a number of teaching resources. These include a lesson overview of 200 Years that changed the World, a great powerpoint presentation explaining Life Expectancy and various other resources.

I have used Gapminder with my classes in a number of ways.

Introducing Analysis of Statistics
When introducing scattergraphs, I use it to explain how a scattergraph is created and why we use it to look for relationships. I then also look for anomolies in the data.

Explaining Relationships Between Data
If you are in a 1:1 environment, ask the students to create a 'Hans' video of a set of data that they have chosen. They can use various programs to record a voice-over whilst playing the data, including Jing, or Adobe Screen Capture. Once you have captured this video, you could upload it to a website and create a collaborative Google Map of Levels of Development.

This really is one of the best Geography resources I have used. It is incredibly engaging for the students and they love to discuss, watch and ask questions of the data.....

Other Gapminder Resources

Gapminder for Teachers
Gapminder and 21st Century Teaching

An Entire School Course Designed on Gapminder

50 Sites Like Gapminder

The OECD Factbook in Gapminder Graphs

The Gapminder Blog

Some Other Web 2.0 Tools

Poll Everywhere
This tool allows you to create polls and post them on blogs, wikis or in learning spaces. The results can also be texted in via mobile phone. Great for quizzes, pre-tests on topics and when looking for opinions in the classroom.
A poll for today:

Create your own sms poll at Poll Everywhere

And the results...

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

Glogster

This is a Web2.0 tool that enables the user to create an online, interactive poster. So, next time you have a class activity to create a poster, consider this online alternative.

Web2.0 Glogster

Wordle
Wordle is a tool to brainstorm or create an image of the main concepts in a text. Just for fun, I have created a wordle of the newly released rationale of the Australian Geography Curriculum.

Is this Geography?



GTAQ Facebook Page - Another interesting resource that you may find resources on (for those on Facebook).

Integration of 1:1 Technology in the Classroom

Web 2.0 technology and social media are now a large part of our everyday lives. The challenge as educators is to use these tools effectively in the classroom, so that they enhance current digital pedagogy. In the next 75 minutes we will look at

various tools that can be used effectively in the classroom to enable students to think, create and collaborate.

Something to think about before we begin....



His previous talk - Do School's Kill Creativity? can be viewed by clicking on the link.

And something else...

Even if you have a 21st Century classroom, flexible and adaptable; even if you are a 21st Century teacher; An adaptor, a communicator, a leader and a learner, a visionary and a model, a collaborator and risk taker; even if your curriculum reflects the new paradigm and you have the facilities and resources that could enable 21st century learning - you will only be a 21st century teacher if how we teach changes as well. Our pedagogy must also change.

Collaboration is not a 21st century skill it is a 21st century essential.

This has been taken directly from Educational Origami - a great blogger regarding the research behind a 21st century pedagogy. Educational Origami - 21st Century Pedagogy. Also, when considering why and how to use Web 2.0, think about the application of Digital Blooms Taxonomy.

So, considering this, why would you, or do you, use Web 2.0 in the classroom. To begin with, lets do a poll.

Make your own poll voting question with Poll Everywhere

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

What is Web 2.0 Technology?

What is Web 2.0? View more presentations from Rebecca Nicholas.

Web2.0 or social media provides educators with the opportunity to engage students in their own learning. Here are some examples of how.

Another excellent tool to create and present is using Prezi. Check out Web2.0 in the Classroom as an excellent example.

1. Creating Online Resources

Blogs

Bec's Classes 2010

Creating an blog is not difficult. The video below shows a step by step instruction on how to create a blog using Edublogs or Global Teacher.




And this shows you how to embed a Youtube video (or any video) into your blog.



New blogging sites are popping up every day. Another you can use with the advantage of not having an email to sign up with is 21 Classes.

Wikis

Unit 4 Geography Wiki

The following video provides a step-by-step guide on setting up your first wiki. This video uses wikispaces however there are other options, such as pbwiki.

Adding to Your Blog or Wiki

Slideshare allows you to upload powerpoint or keynote presentations and then embed them into a wiki or blog.

Presi - A site that allows you to create interesting presentation, either on or offline. These can be uploaded and then embedded in your blog or wiki.

Videos

Drag on Tape - This is a site that allows you to create mixtapes of your favourite Youtube videos. A demo is outlined below.

Dragontape Demo Video from Dragontape on Vimeo.

Xtranormal - This is a great site that allows students to make their own digital animations by typing in text.

Collaborating with Images

Fotobabble - This site provides the user with the tools to create a photo slideshow and add voiceover. This can then be embedded in wikis, blogs and other online collaborative sites.

Shwup - Allows students to collaborate and share photos and vidoes online in a secure environment. Educators could use this tool for students to categorise their own images for future tasks.

Jaycut - An online tool that allows students to create their own movies using images, video footage and sound. It is very similar to iMovie but you don't need the software...

Nings

Bec's Race Class
This is a great tool, similar to facebook, that allows students to collaborate online. The best way to use a ning is to ensure that you have a purpose and understand what you want out of the technology.

Glogster

Glogser provides an online poster creator, which enables video and audio to be added to the poster. There is a gallery of graphics available, but users can upload their own images and media. Users can record video and audio directly at the site. An example of a Glog - Web2.0 or a student example - Development

2. Tools to Collaborate in the Classroom

Twitter - providing information in 140 characters. Groups can establish their own Twitter channel and provide update information on what is happening around the world. Using the hashtag - # - as a search tool is also a great way to look at what is popular or 'trending'. An example is the Chile Volcano. Often links to images, twitpics, are linked to a tweet.

WallWisher - This is a great site that allows you to post and brainstorm information. It is very handy when watching videos or discussing a topic. I used it specifically to diamond rank factors associated with issues.

EdModo - Like Twitter, but can be used in the classroom. Something to consider trialling as you watch a video or discussion in class.

Another example uses the same idea as Twitter - TodaysMeet

Wordle - A brainstorming tool that allows students and teachers to create and determine the importance of words associated with a concept. For example, below is a wordle created from the following blog post - 21st century Pedagogy.

Other Resources

Education Eye - A search engine that maps educational innovation and categorises news sites by research and practice. A great teacher resource to remain up-to-date.

We are Teachers - A collaborative site where teachers share innovative ideas and teaching practice.

Go2Web2.0 - A site that provides links to Web 2.0 tools for education.

Mashpedia, Boolify and Wolfram/Alpha - Great search engines.

Classroom 2.0 - Ideas on using Web 2.0 in the classroom.

Web2.0 in the classroom - Another great resource on using Web 2.0 in the classroom.

Creative Commons - Accessing non-copyright images for your classroom - a great resource.

An Interesting Infographic - How Students Spend their Time

Via: OnlineEducation.net

2011 GTAQ Conference - Using Gapminder to Analyse Statistics

Gapminder is one of the best tools available to analyse demographic data and population statistics. This workshop will show you what Gapminder can do and provide you with some ideas on how to use this great website in your Geography classroom.


To begin with, what is the answer to this question:



Which country has the highest fertility rate?

A. Saudi Arabia
B. Israel
C. Bangladesh

Hans Rosling stated that 'There is no such thing as a western world or a developing world’. He followed on to say that:

Geography teachers and pupils are familiar with the concepts of 'less' and 'more' developed countries (LEDCs and MEDCs), of 'developed' and 'developing' countries and a global 'North-South Divide'.

For many years these concepts have helped students learn about inequality, however in recent decades there has been significant global convergence between these 'developed' and 'developing worlds', so much so that these concepts and terms no longer fit. In fact, they are wrong and if we use them we risk leaving students with a flawed view of the world that ignores recent economic and social change that has affected billions of people.

There is a need for geography teachers to challenge our assumptions, to change mindset and use a different vocabulary to describe the world. Young people need modern understanding of their diverse and changing world that is drawn from the reliable data that actually exists; they need this to understand the real change that is happening in their places and lives, and in the lives of others.

Geography has a powerful role to play in allowing students to build a current and knowledge-based world view, and to develop their understanding of meaningful data that is distinct from political discourse and personal opinion.

To read the rest of this article go to the following link - Geographical Association - Gapminder and World Mapper.

Gapminder was founded in February 2005 with the aim of providing facts and statistics to debunk myths people had about the difference between developed and developing countries. Hans Rosling, one of the founding members spoke for the first time at a TED conference in 2006. His video is below:



Before we look at Gapminder World, lets play a card game to look at our own perceptions of development.

Following this, Gapminder World was launched. The site also includes a number of great 10-15 minute videos that you can use to show your classes on various topics. Below is one of my favourites.



There are also links to a number of teaching resources. These include a lesson overview of 200 Years that changed the World, a great powerpoint presentation explaining Life Expectancy and various other resources.

I have used Gapminder with my classes in a number of ways.

Introducing Analysis of Statistics
When introducing scattergraphs, I use it to explain how a scattergraph is created and why we use it to look for relationships. I then also look for anomolies in the data.

Explaining Relationships Between Data
If you are in a 1:1 environment, ask the students to create a 'Hans' video of a set of data that they have chosen. They can use various programs to record a voice-over whilst playing the data, including Jing, or Adobe Screen Capture. Once you have captured this video, you could upload it to a website and create a collaborative Google Map of Levels of Development.

Here is an example taken from a Year 6 student in New York.

China vs US - Total Fertility Rate from Liz on Vimeo.

You could also create your own videos - such as those of Mr Barton in the UK.

This really is one of the best Geography resources I have used. It is incredibly engaging for the students and they love to discuss, watch and ask questions of the data.....

Other Gapminder Resources

Gapminder and 21st Century Teaching

An Entire School Course Designed on Gapminder

50 Sites Like Gapminder

The OECD Factbook in Gapminder Graphs

The Gapminder Blog