Summer PD Series: David Jakes
One of our school’s greatest strengths is that we are able to support internal and external professional development opportunities. Today we had the pleasure of hosting David Jakes and learning about 21st Century Cartography and Digital Storytelling. His two half-day workshops inspired everyone in attendance and his resources simply cannot be missed.
Digital Cartography
Using Google Maps and Google Earth, David lead our teachers through the process of teaching course content from a geographical perspective. This short video brings some perspective (and levity) to the topic:
It simply isn’t possible to convey all the ideas that David shared during his presentation, but his 21st Century Cartography wiki is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in utilizing the power of digital cartography in the classroom.
Digital Storytelling
Storytelling is a timeless art and one that our students readily embrace in the digital age. Telling a compelling story, however, requires teacher-guidance and student-reflection. As with his cartography session, David’s insight into storytelling surpasses what can be expressed here, but his Digital Storytelling page will set you on the path to using this medium effectively.
Make a Map, Tell a Story, Engage Your Students
There is no substitute for working face-to-face with a master teacher, but David’s resources make the essential skills of digital cartography and storytelling attainable for all students. Regardless of your content area or grade level, I encourage you to review his tools, tips, and techniques; your students are anxious to explore their world, share their views, and get engaged in the teaching-learning process.
