One of my favorite resources for language teaching has been maps. There are so many ways that creative teachers can use maps to make engaging experiences for their students. With today’s digitally aggregated, crowdsourced, customized, and mashup map, the potential is even greater. Anyone can create maps that are individualized and customized to their own needs or interests. They can also contribute to online maps as a collaborative act of participatory culture. Websites such as Open Street Map, and the Open Cities Mapping Project are designed for individuals to contribute and co-construct a shared awareness of visual and geographical representation. The easiest of these is Google Maps.

Though many readers are likely to be familiar with these maps for basic navigation purposes, they may not realize how easy it is to create their own customized maps using Google My Maps. Teachers and students may benefit from this guide, created by Google. Users can embed images, videos, or links within maps, allowing them to create interactive experiences they can share with others. Continue reading →