Google Geo Teacher Institute - Day 2

Day 2!

Tia Lendo from Google began the day talking about Google Chrome and Chromebooks in the classroom. Chrome was designed by Google to work exclusively with web applications. One of my favorite features of Chrome is that it is so safe and secure, protecting from phishing schemes, malware, pop-ups, and viruses. Chrome warns you if you’re about to access an unsafe website. With the advent of PVUSD becoming a Google Apps District, Chrome ties in seamlessly with the evolving trend of cloud computing. 

John Nowlin from MLTI was next, teaching us about individualized and community connected learning. His discussion was rich with the importance of pedagogical knowledge and awareness of our student's needs, interests and learning styles. Mr. Nowling reinforced the message from yesterday that digital media should be used within a learning environment to support content and new concepts, and teachers must be adept with 21st century skills. 

Truly GIANT Maps!

Daniel Beaupre presented the National Geographic Giant Traveling Maps next. These truly GIANT maps (26 by 35 feet!) are designed for use in grades K-8 and it tours with a trunk full of accessories including interactive games, geography adventures, atlases and books. Students learning with the Giant Map are exposed to the physical characteristics of the nation they are studying as well as history and varied cultures. 

Our final speaker of the day before the break-out training sessions, was Toby Lester, author of The Fourth Part of the World. He taught us about the actual map, which is still in existence, that gave America its name. In 2003, The Library of Congress paid $10 million for the only existing copy of the map from the year 1507, which was the first map to show the New World and call it "America". Mr. Lester presented a brief history of cartography and the evolution of maps, beginning with the paper map from 1507 to Google Maps today.