My latest research pathfinder, Travel Across America USA, came together rather quickly, but it is one of my favorites to date. Although I did not get to collaborate as much as I had hoped with the teacher on the project as of this evening, I feel confident we will conference next week and make any adjustments that may be needed since we have worked together, and he is really enthusiastic about using Google Docs and now moving on to Google Sites.
In this project, the students essentially must research and collect information about travel destinations between Juneau, Alaska and Key West , Florida. You can see the requirements on the pathfinder page, but students are responsible for collecting multiple forms of data and representing it in an interesting and meaningful way. I think the use of Google Docs (the presentation and spreadsheet tools) , Google Sites, and Google Maps can be instrumental in this project! I am hopeful that I can confirm we will be using all three sets of tools to embed content and showcase the student projects.
This research pathfinder incorporates some of my favorite forms of social media:
- A widget featuring a travel guide via Google Books
- RSS feeds from Frommer’s and Lonely Planet Twitter accounts
- RSS feeds for blogs from these two travel powerhouses
- RSS feeds for travel podcasts and vodcasts
- Widgets featuring Flickr photo group pools sponsored from Frommer’s and Lonely Planet
- The use of “kwout” to highlight key websites that can be helpful for the assignment
- A Google Map I created to show some of the travel destinations I would choose if I were doing the assignment to model how students might use Google Maps; in addition, I have provided links to tutorials although students will have to use some of the instructional videos at home since they are embedded from YouTube
- An iTunes iMix of “travel music” created by National Geographic music (fun!)
I find it incredibly exciting to create a pathfinder that integrates so much social media to help students see how helpful and fun these resources can be. What else would you add to this pathfinder? Your suggestions are welcome!
