Tech EDGE: Mobile Learning in the Classroom Podcasts
The Tech EDGE Mobile Learning in the classroom can be very helpful for any age level of students. I searched through the different podcasts until I found a podcast that matched up with my content level, which is social studies. The podcasts that I found that would work well for social studies at the secondary level were history, geography, and just social studies in general. The apps that I checked out were about world geography, American geography, and world history. I found that these would be very useful to a middle or high school social studies class.
The first video that I watched from Tech Edge was about History Apps. I am studying social studies, so this will be very useful for me in my history classroom. One of the apps that I could use for my classroom is called World History Atlas HD with 3D. You have the ability to look at any time period in anywhere in the world. I used the app to take a look at the history of China. I was able to look at the different dynasties that were in power over China at different time periods. I also took a look at the historic Roman world. You are able to see how different cities evolve over time throughout the Roman Empire. You can explore the details of Italy. There are little bubbles that pop up that give you information about that certain place and time. This would help students get a better understanding of the big picture of our world's history.
The next video that I watched was over geography. This is another subject that I could tie in with my social studies classroom. The video talked about different games that students could play to help them improve their skills in geography. Students are able to learn more about the world. One of the apps that students can use for geography is called Geoguesser. Students can play with one or two players. You are able to select different maps of cities in different countries. You are able to move around on the surface of the world and see real life images. This app will help students see what the geography of the Earth looks like today. Being able to view any place in the world today will be a fun game for students to participate in.
The next video that I watched was over social studies in general. There are several apps that are available in the social studies classroom. A good app for middle school American history is USA Illustrated. This app is great for resource maps. There is an interactive map. When you click on a state, there is information about that state that pops up. There is also a geopolitical map of the United States. When you click on a certain spot in the United States, there is political information that is read out loud about that state or region. This app is directed for more of the younger students. I probably wouldn't use this app for my high school classrooms. There is also information about different time zones. There is audio that the students can follow and understand the main points about the United States. There is also a physical map that students have access to. This app is very accessible and is great for getting the overall main ideas that come from our nation. Students will be able to learn more details about certain states in America.