Geo Tools Certificate
Discover the power of immersive classroom learning experiences with geo tools.
The Geo Tools Certificate is designed to introduce educators to contextual teaching and learning with geo tools. In each of the seven modules, educators will be introduced to core tools and engaged with hands-on practice and application. To earn the certificate, teachers must complete all activities, including a classroom-ready resource with age-appropriate Google Earth activities that they can use with their students.
Consilience is a non-profit, global education innovation company that supports institutions and educators to transform teaching and learning. We provide leadership training and professional development in the areas of Innovation Leadership, Technology Integration, STEM & Maker Education, Online Learning, and Learning Analytics. For more information about our work please visit our website at www.consiliencelearning.org
Geo Literacy Certificate
Description
Geo Literacy Certificate is designed to introduce educators to contextual teaching and learning with geo tools. In each of the seven modules educators will be introduced to the tool(s) and engaged with hands-on practice and application. To earn the certificate, teachers must complete all activities, including a classroom-ready resource with age-appropriate Google Earth activities that they can use with their students.
Pre-Requisites
● Designed for teachers and specialists - those who work directly with students;
● Minimum - 10 teachers, Maximum - 20 teachers;
● Dates must be 2 consecutive days;
● Participants must have a laptop or device similar to what their students use;Requirements for the Certificate
● Attendance is mandatory for both days of the training.
● Participants must plan, run and document a unit that incorporates digital citizenship within 2 months of the training.Participants will
● Acquire a working knowledge of geo literacy and its importance and potential applications in the classroom;
● Explore basic features of Google Earth, Google Maps, My Maps, Street View, Google Cardboard, and Tour Builder;
● Determine activities that will build geo competencies through the integration of Google Earth in a classroom setting;
● Enjoy “sandbox” time to play with and explore tools, such as Google Cardboard and 360° camera;
● Create a classroom-ready resource using Google Earth to use with his/her students
● Reflect on how geo tools can help inspire global thinkersModules
The first day of the workshop will focus on different perspectives of the various members of a school community towards Digital Citizenship. The second day will concern itself with school policies and action plans and with the assessment of student work using a digital footprint rubric that will be jointly created by the participants.
1 - Geo Literacy:
The What and the WhyThis module will lay an important foundation that explores what geo literacy is and why it matters (or should matter) to us and our students
Participants will:
● Define geo literacy;
● Look at examples of how geo literacy is (and isn’t yet) being used in classrooms;
● Explore possibilities to strengthen geo literacy awareness;2 - Google Earth: Exploring the World
Around Us
Dive in both figuratively and digitally to visualize and virtually explore the world both above and below the the surface. This module will cover basic features and functions using better-than-ever Google Earth.
Participants will:
● Discuss what Google Earth is and what makes it such a powerful tool;
● Explore 5 basic features of Google Earth: search, knowledge cards, 3D rendering, Voyager Stories, and Feeling Lucky;
● Take a sample quiz within Google Earth;
● Create a classroom-ready resource using Google
Earth;3 - Collaborative Mapping: Visualize and Share Data with Google Maps and My Maps
Uncover many exciting ways to use this powerful tool to connect with our surroundings beyond mere directions. Up your game with My Maps to create collaborative maps using shapes, data sets, measurements, and icons with the goal of growing our geographical awareness and competencies.
Participants will:
● Discuss the purposes and basic features of Google Maps and My Maps;
● Learn how to embed and share images from Google Maps;
● See an example of how mapping public data can spark local change;
● Create a collaborative map in My Maps and import a data set;
● Generate an idea of a classroom activity using what we’ve learned;4 - 360° Imagery:
Create Immersive Experiences with Street ViewThis module will introduce the beauty and possibilities of 360° imagery. Using the Street View app and desktop site, we will leave the walls of our classroom and quite literally immerse ourselves in remote locations. Participants will have hands-on time using a Ricoh Theta-S 360° camera to capture and publish 360° images.
Participants will:
● Use Street View desktop site and mobile app to explore 360° images and galleries;
● “Visit” a virtual location;
● Learn how to create a 360° image and publish it
to Street View;
● Brainstorm possible applications and activities in
the classroom;5 - Google VR: Discover the World through Virtual Reality
Unlock the mystery of Virtual Reality and what it could bring to your classroom. We’ll try out Google Cardboard and see how near-impossible experiences can become up close and personal for our students. Building on what we’ve learned in Module 3, we’ll examine examples of VR video and imagery and how it can help us think bigger.
Participants will:
● Learn how to use Google Cardboard;
● Be introduced to Google Expeditions and YouTube 360;
● Explore examples of how other classrooms are using these tools;
● Brainstorm possible applications and activities in your classroom;6 - Storytelling: Build and Share Stories using Tour Builder
Let’s tell stories! Stories keep us connected to the world around us and are interesting. Tour Builder is a beta tool that blends what we’ve learned so far about maps with storytelling. In this module, we’ll practice telling a story by creating our own tour. We’ll also dip into Story Spheres as a way to take what we’ve learned with 360° imagery up a notch by adding audio.
Participants will:
● Examine examples of tours and Story Spheres that have been created;
● Learn the basics of Tour Builder and try creating a tour;
● Explore how to create a Story Sphere;
● Brainstorm possible applications and activities in
your classroom;7 - Global Thinkers: Embracing our World
This module will tie everything we’ve learned together and provide space to reflect on next actions. We’ll briefly explore Google Earth Engine and its geospatial analysis using satellite images. How will such tools become even more valuable to our students as time goes on? How can engaging with the world visually inspire change locally? What can we do to help our learners take action to make the word a better place?
Participants will:
● View examples of change over time using Google Earth Engine;
● Discuss key takeaways from previous modules and determine next actions;
● Discuss ways geo literacy can inspire students to be global thinkers;
● Share what activities we have liked, created, and thought of during these modules;