Google map and Phet simulation as situating tools and its application in classroom

Google map

It is a free application of google after we are signed with google account. This application can be used to talk teach history, math, and other disciplines. 

History teaching

For example, the teacher is planning to teach about the various sacred Lhakhang in Bhutan. The teacher can use these applications to locate the temples and give real photos to talk about the Lhakhang. 

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This application can also be used to trace the routes taken and places visited by historical figures like Phajo Drugom Zhipo. 
For example, the teacher can give the following coordinates to look for the places visited by the Phajo Drugom Zhipo a trace a route. 

1) Jago Dzong: N27 38 59.99 E91 09 00
2) Yangthe Thuwo Dzong: N27 28 0.00 E89 38 30
3) Taktshang: N27 30 00   E89 20 00
4) Tango: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
5) Gomdra: N27°30' 00 E89 20 00
6) Thujedra: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
7) Draphu Senge gyaltshen: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
8) Tshechudra: N27 55 00 E89 40 59
9) Tsendong dowaphu: N27 30 00 E89 20 00
10) Langthangphu: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
11) Sengyephu: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
12) Gawaphu: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
13) Hungrelkha: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
14) Changkhag: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
15) Wachen: N27 30 00 00 E90 10 00
16) Dodeyna: N27 35 28 E89 52 38

Math teaching

The use of google application in math lessons can be again more interesting than we actually think. We can calculate the distance and area of the place. This can be possible with the use of calculating distance options in the google map application. 

This style of calculating distance can be used to teach measuring distance and calculate areas of the place. 

phET  simulation in Science teaching

Use pf PhET application can be sued to teach especially science subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry. For more details, ou can visit this link. https://phet.colorado.edu/ These simulation sims are generated by the Colorado teacher community. 

Teaching abstract concepts like bending of light in the various medium can be taught using such applications. If we use such applications learning becomes more visual and students will show interest in learning and exploring. 

Bending of light simulation

So, after attending this class I have realized that I am sure going to make full use of the application in schools. 

ICT as situating tools

What is a situating tool?

Situating tools are applications that make the user situate in an environment to experience the context and happenings. The 3-D images on the screen make the user feel and experience the simulations as if they are real in that environment.  Examples of situating tools are simulations (flight, driving, plays station), virtual reality, CD-ROM, and many other applications. 
As I went through the examples and explanation I realized that all the games that I play falls under this situating category. I play driving and flight games and trending games like PUBG too, which fall under situating application. 

What I learned from under these tools

This session made exposed me to many new applications, which are basically very crucial and interesting applications to apply in teaching and learning. Out of which some are very new like Phet simulation and GraphCalc, and some are familiar as that of Google map. 

Phet simulation

Phet application

This application is completely new to me. When I first got introduced to it I am a bit confused with it but, when I got to know how it works I really liked it. this application is free and we can download and use it. this application is mostly for science subjects but it can be used in other disciplines like geography and history too. 

when we talk about this application we can make many abstract concepts like atoms, pH values real. this simulation is going to make the learning more effective and students are going to love it. I wish me tutors would have used that to teach many concepts which I felt very difficult to digest during my school days. 

Google Map

Google map

Google map application is also a very interesting tool that makes you explore the area in various ways, such as 3-D, street view, a terrain view, satellite view, and many other options to explore the map. we can use these maps to locate the place using attitude and longitude and as well as calculate time. Moreover, you can explore an unknown place by using a search for the place and use the street view option.  

GraphCalc

This is another interesting tool to do lots of abstract graph problems into more realistic simulating learning. The use of this application can make the learner predict the nature of graph equations. This application is handy for the tutors especially math teachers. After the teaching students can be provided with an opportunity to see the patterns. 

This is another interesting tool to do lots of abstract graph problems into more realistic simulating learning. The use of this application can make the learner predict the nature of graph equations. This application is handy for the tutors especially math teachers. After the teaching students can be provided with an opportunity to see the patterns. 

GraphCalc as situating tools and classroom applications

GraphCalc as situating tools

This tool has remained unknown for me until the last session on situating tools. This application boosts my confidence in teaching maps to my students. the abstract nature of the mapping equation and its representation plane paper made me a bit uncomfortable in teaching it, but with the use of this application, it makes me feel easier to teach. 

Classroom application 

While teaching about the equations like 
linear = mx+b
quadratic = m^2 X+ b, we can use this application. 

for example, to teach linear equations teachers can provide a set of equations and make them plot on the graph. 
let them see the patterns, how the mapping and equation works. 

So, in order to make them realize that b value in the equation is a point where the line cuts y-axis give the following equations to plot on the map.
1. 2x+ 1
2. 2x+2
3. 2x+ 3
4. 2x-1

look at the point where line cuts y- axis

Like ways in order to make students realize that the value of m determines the slope of the map, provide the following equations and let them type the equation and make the see the patterns. 

1. 2x+ 1
2. 3x+1
3. 4x+1

Look for the value of x and its slope

This way learning becomes much easier and interesting.