Quikmaps

= Resource Reccomendation: Quikmaps = = Week 4 Interest Group Contribution: Cathy McMahon u3025770 =

Discipline: Geography
===Age Range: Suitable for kindergarten to year 6 and beyond.===

Quikmaps in an online application which enables users to draw on top of any google map. Upon locating the desired location, users can personalise their map through adding:

 * ====a variety of markers (including flags, people, food etc.)====
 * ====text====
 * ====straight and freeform lines====
 * ====annotations - which allow text, images, links and videos to be added====

Maps can then be saved (requires registration - free) and can easily be exported for use on websites or printed.
====It should be noted that similar features are available using Google Maps' My Maps feature. However, Quikmaps is simpler both in use and interface and overall, more child friendly.====

In the early childhood classroom:

 * ====Quikmaps could be used to familiarise students with the components of maps.====
 * ====Quikmaps could enable students to represent their local geographies.====

In the middle and later years:

 * ====Quikmaps could be used to enable students to map their fieldwork activities.====
 * ====Quikmaps could be used to create annotated maps that feature results of geographic study or fieldwork.====

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This resource is underpinned by two articles and their precis' posted within the Geography forum of the SOSE2 Moodle Page.
====Firstly, this resource is heavily associated with the key notion proposed by my precis based on the work of Simon Catling. Catling focuses on geography as a discipline that is dominated by visual thought. Consequently, Catling recognises and endorses the role of maps in the geography classroom. Catling indicates that visual approaches to geography develop five key thinking skills. The table below shows the five thinking skills and how Quikmaps can aid in their development.==== ====This resource is also relation to the position of Sophie Andriolo's precis based upon the work of Joop Van De Schee. Van De Schee endorses the use of maps in the geography classroom and believes there are three key map skills that students develop.====
 * > ====**Thinking Skill**==== ||< ====**Application of Quikmaps**==== ||
 * > ====Information Processing Skills==== ||< ====Placing suitable novelty markers on relevant locations on maps.==== ||
 * > ====Reasoning Skills==== ||< ====Adding the novelty markers to certain geographic locations and justifying their placement.==== ||
 * > ====Creative Thinking Skills==== ||< ====Drawing using freeform lines as many movement routes as possible between two locations.==== ||
 * > ====Inquiry Skills==== ||< ====Using Quikmaps to present information in an inquiry.==== ||
 * > ====Evaluation Skills==== ||< ====Using Quikmaps to present evaluations of areas - use novelty markers on locations.==== ||
 * ====Map reading====
 * ====Map analysis====
 * ====Map interpretation====

Resources Catling, S. (2003). Primary geographer : thinking geographically. //Interaction, 31//(2), 37-39. Retrieved from University of Canberra E Reserve. Van de Schee, J. (1998). Map analysis as a main skill in geography to train thinking about real life situations. //Geographical Education//, //11//, 24-29. Retrieved from University of Canberra E Reserve.