Maps and Mapping CD-ROM

KS4 (Years 10 - 11)

Geography & ICT

This product is distributed by Channel 4 Learning (Tel: 08701 246444)

Maps and Mapping is a very good way of teaching map reading and map interpretation skills. It contains suitable extracts to illustrate many different types of geographic features. It is resource-type product so the teacher can direct the lessons to suit his, or her teaching style. It is not a substitute for holding a real map of the area in which one is trying to navigate and comparing the real features with the map symbols. It is also not designed to run as a networked resource and it was only with trial and error that we were able to successfully use it in that way. If schools upgrade to Internet Explorer 6 there could be further problems in running Maps and Mapping. However, we feel that it is an excellent classroom resource for map work and because of the range of features that it illustrates, is a valuable classroom tool.

I consider that the software is well suited to its purpose of teaching Ordnance Survey map skills. I feel that the software has as much use - possibly more - at Key Stage 3, as it has at GCSE. Some important high-level GCSE map interpretation skills do not feature, such as industrial location. The software is also well suited to teaching geographical themes at Key Stage 3 and GCSE, for example change in urban and rural areas.

Maps and Mapping was used to teach the recognition of relief features from contour maps. This was planned as the start of a series of lessons using the software to investigate features such as drainage and man-made features. It was first demonstrated using a large plasma screen. To support the lessons, a worksheet had been prepared in Word. The pupils then launched the application, switching between Maps and Mapping and Word. This multi-tasking had already been used in other subject lessons so presented no problems to the girls. Some of the weaker girls had a bit of difficulty in making out the relief features from the contours, but as most of the class were able to get on well by themselves, there was plenty of time to give extra help to the stragglers. The girls were assessed on the printouts of their completed worksheets.

After teaching students basic map work skills, I took them to a computer suite with 15 -networked PCs. Using a Sony LCD projector linked to one of the computers, I demonstrated the modes of the software with particular focus on the challenge and study sections. The pupils were then set to work in pairs on the various test questions (challenge/ quiz), each pair keeping a running total of their first-answer scores. After completing a selection of questions, the pair brought their score to me and then went back to explore other aspects of the software, particularly the 3D mode.