Technology is all around us. It's now a way of life. To prepare students for success in the twenty-first century workplace, I believe we must embrace technology and teach them how to use it. Google Maps is an excellent way to effectively use technology in the classroom while also providing opportunities for students to practice problem-solving, critical thinking, flexibility, collaboration, communication, and other skills.
While presenting the activity for the first time, I realized that Google Maps is much more than just a way to find your way from A to B, which was fascinating to me.
In the last year, I taught "kilo meters" to my 3rd grade students. We looked at how to calculate the distance between two cities, two countries, and two continents. And now, after this activity, I wish I had known this before. As a mathematics teacher, I think I can use these types of activities as a hook to measure the distance between students and their friends or families who are abroad. Then, in this manner, I can teach length, particularly kilometers. Using digital technology actively can enhance students' learning.
For a math lesson, we can also find the perimeters of shapes or countries, which helps students visualize.
We live in a digital age, and classrooms must adapt to the use of technology. Rather than detracting from learning, technology can be a great tool for exploring and teaching in ways never before possible.