Create Customized Maps in Google Maps
Have you ever wanted a customized map for a special trip or event? Give Google’s “My Map” feature a try. Here’s a quick video that explains how to create a customized map in Google Maps.
What applications do you see for customized maps in education? Post a comment with your ideas for how customized mapping can be utilized in education.
Google Video Chat
While it’s not yet video conferencing, Google has recently added new video chat capabilities to Gmail. Here’s a quick video pitch by for the service.
Anyone tried the new Google Video Chat yet? If so, what are your thoughts thus far of the new free synchronous video communication service?
Competencies for Online Teaching Success (COTS)
Larry Ragan, Director of Faculty development at Penn State’s World Campus has put his flip camcorder to good use over the past few months, cornering various ‘experts’, practitioners and generally experienced online teachers. He asked each to describe one core competency for successful online teaching.
He has uploaded about 30 of these 1-3 minute videos to YouTube, including this clip of Terry Anderson who shares the importance of online instructors being willing to discover new technologies when teaching online.
To find the remainder of the videos, search YouTube with the keywords “world campus cots” or simply click here.
What core competencies do you feel are most important for a successful online instructor? Additionally, what core competencies are most important for a successful online student? Would such competencies overlap and apply in face-to-face and blended settings as well?
Brainify: Academic social bookmarking and networking
I recently learned of Brainify, a new academic social bookmakring and networking community tool developed by Murray Goldberg, the founder of WebCT. Here’s a quick introduction to Brainify.
While there are certainly many similarities to pre-existing tools like Scholar, CiteULike, etc., it may serve a niche market. As Murray mentioned in his video, the true success of any social tool such as Brainify is found in whether a critical mass of users can be cultivated. Only time will tell whether Brainify is able to build a user base. The biggest question I have when considering any new tool is, “Why should I use this tool in place of the other tools I already use?” I’ve requested an account and look forward to exploring Brainify further and will report back on my findings.
e-Waste
Where do the millions of computer monitors, cell phones and other electronic refuse our society generates end up? Scott Pelley from 60 Minutes reports.