Jamie's Educational Technology Blog

The Google My Maps assignment was one of my favorites of the semester so far. I think it can be used for so many different purposes in the classroom. I personally created a map with a few places on my bucket list that I want to visit. However, I think teachers can incorporate this tool in many different lessons. This video gives a really good lesson on how to use Google My Maps with some examples of how it can be used in the classroom.

I think My Maps could be especially useful for social studies lessons. For example, for younger students who are just learning state capitals, this tool could really come in handy. Students could create their own map of the U.S., identify the state capitals, and then add additional information about the capital, including images, to make a more meaningful connection to each city. When something has a meaningful connection behind it, students are much more likely to remember it. My Maps could also be used to add to history lessons. For instance, if you are teaching a lesson on the American Revolution, you could have your students create a map and locate where the different battles of the war took place. Visually, this helps them to identify exactly where these battles occurred. It also prompts them to do additional research on each location to add to the information section. I find that when I am able to add a visual aspect to a lesson, it helps me to retain the information that much more. Google My Maps could potentially be used for any geography or history lesson you want to teach. It could even be used for literature and science lessons. I remember being in elementary school myself, and being astounded that I could google a 3D view of my house. To think about how far technology has come since then and that we can essentially take virtual field trips to different cities and landmarks across the globe is amazing. We are very fortunate to live in a world with technology that offers us endless exploration.

We communicate in every single interaction we have with others in the outside world; whether it be verbally, nonverbally, visually, through writing, or even just through listening. We are always communicating; and it’s no wonder we are always searching for better ways to do so. Communication is important in every profession, but it is especially paramount in education. We cannot set our students up for success if we are not effectively communicating with them, their parents and guardians, our fellow colleagues, and our superiors. Communication has to be strong on all fronts when it comes to education in order for students to reach their full potential.

In the face of obstacles, teachers are constantly searching for ways to improve communication or instill it where it was once nonexistent. As a future educator, it would be naïve of me to think that there will not be challenges that lie ahead in terms of establishing effective and open communication in the classroom. However, I’m realizing more and more just how many barriers we are capable of breaking down with the technology that is at our fingertips. After reading chapter 2 of Sail the 7 Cs with Microsoft Education, I’m excited to know that there are so many new and innovative tools available to teachers, students, and parents to help them communicate with one another. I love everything about the Microsoft Translator tool. I think that it breaks down so many barriers to communication that I can recall my own teachers struggling with while I was in grade school.

I distinctly remember ELLs in my classes struggling to understand lessons and instructions, let alone be apart of class discussions and group work. I remember feeling terrible and thinking about how lost they must have felt. They would spend part of their day in mainstream classes, and the rest in a separate classroom with other ELLs and a Spanish speaking teacher that could give them more one on one instruction time. If we had the Microsoft Translator tool back then, their learning situation could have been so much different and so much more inclusive. I think it is so amazing that this tool can allow students to listen in real time to their teachers and peers in their native language, as well as having their reading and assignments translated. It also allows for English speaking students to be able to understand and communicate back with them. Not to forget, as it was mentioned in the book, that it allows for teachers to communicate with parents as well. Something that just 10 years ago would have prevented nonnative English speaking students from reaching their full potential, is now seen as a nonissue thanks to this amazing tool. Language no longer has to be seen as something that separates us; it is what connects us.

I also enjoyed exploring the Wakelet that accompanied this chapter. The additional resources that are found on the Microsoft website showcase even more ways that Microsoft Translator can be used in the classroom. I found this video to be super informative on how it can be incorporated right into a class lesson.

When I was deciding which tool to explore from the “Global Educator’s Toolbox” from Chapter 2 in The Global Educator, my mind was automatically drawn to the “Workflow & Scheduling” column. I’m a very detail-oriented person that thrives off of organization and structure, and so I felt like any of the tools in this space would be right up my alley. Evernote was a tool that I was unfamiliar with, so I decided to investigate.

As I ventured through the Evernote website, I discovered the following:

-Evernote is an application that allows you to upload notes, through both writing and pictures. These notes are uploaded online and accessible on all devices. You can create a detailed notebook with different tabs and sections to keep yourself organized, as well as attach tags with keywords to make it easy to search for specific notes when you need them. You can also record audio from important meetings or lectures and upload it directly to your notes.

-Evernote offers the ability to create checklists (a personal favorite of mine).

-The Web Clipper aspect allows users to “clip” useful web pages, articles, and PDF files.

-A variety of note templates make note taking easier and more personalized to fit any subject.

-The Spaces feature is similar to Microsoft Teams, where notes and documents are easily shared with others in an organized format.

-Evernote gives you the ability to scan handwritten notes into the app, which is then translated for you.

-With the Evernote mobile app, you can scan and upload various documents to have them at your fingertips.

-Evernote can be integrated with the following other popular educational technology tools: Microsoft Teams, Gmail, Outlook Mail, Google Drive, and Slack.

Overall, it seems like Evernote is similar to Microsoft OneNote, but also incorporates some aspects of Microsoft Teams. I decided to continue learning about the the tool on YouTube, and I came across this helpful video tutorial that explains some Evernote basics for novice students like myself.

Evernote may definitely be a tool that I choose to incorporate in my own schooling and for teaching in the future. I think it can be extremely useful for students and teachers alike. Students can take and organize their notes, while creating and sharing projects with their peers. Teachers can keep their own notes and lessons organized, while also having a space to collaborate and interact with their students. Applications like this are becoming more popular among educators and students these days since they allow for various educational means to be accessed all in once place. In an online world that is constantly changing, apps that simplify and organize are always welcome in my book.