Some critics say the online mapping tools and free mapping tools are like chasing a moving target. Well, warm up your running shoes and pack extra arrows in your quiver, because the latest version of ArcGIS Explorer Online is worth the effort to chase it down!
Those of you who have been involved with the effort to integrate geospatial technology (GIS, GPS & Remote Sensing) into the classroom environment for the last 10 years or so know we've been through many changes in terms of viable solutions. Didn't you love ArcVoyager and it's prescribed modules...so nice, and then AEJEE with it's closer-to-the-real-thing features. We began to embrace ArcGIS Explorer (now ArcGIS Explorer Desktop) virtual globe with it's improving features. As new tools came along, old ones die away...rules change. The pursuit could be frustrating or invigorating depending on your tendency towards a glass half-full or half-empty mentality. As things changed, you had to remember that these tools weren't always built with educators and classrooms in mind, rather designed for business, industry and the general public. The creative educators were utilizing the cools tools. Well, the game is changing again. Gone are the concerns for whether you have a Mac or a PC! (cue those hilarious commercials http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z0Ia5jDt4) Run it all in your internet browser! Woohoo!
So what's possible? Queries and shapefiles and map notes...oh my!
I've created some examples and posted a collection of links to maps and data that are residing in my account space (for free) at arcgis.com. http://www.barbareeduke.com/mymaps
There are samples of old lessons that are still on my website and in ArcLessons as well as some new ones, such as T.S. Spivet and Plessy v. Ferguson.
I think the real treasure in these tools is more flexibility. As an educator, I can create the beginnings of a map and prompt students with the expected handouts; then, my students access that map, add more data and analysis to it AND...(drum roll, please) create a presentation using the built-in presentation features to assess their knowledge, thinking and communication skills. We're teaching many more skills than GIS with this tool and its features. We expose students to course content, subject analysis, directed research, critical thinking, problem solving, story telling, persuasive writing and public speaking. I challenge you to find me a tool that does all of that...in a web browser!
There are great tips and information at the Esri blogs for each product. Also the Esri Education Team's blog has great educational insights and some step-by-step entries on using the tools as well as implementing the tools.
Check out the blogs:
Esri Education Community
http://edcommunity.esri.com/
ArcGIS Explorer Desktop
http://blogs.esri.com/Info/blogs/arcgisexplorerblog/default.aspx
ArcGIS Explorer Online
http://blogs.esri.com/Support/blogs/arcgisonline/default.aspx
Thank you to Bernie Szukalski & the Esri team for bringing us a great set of tools!
