CommunityWalk

Powered by Google, CommunityWalk is a website that provides an easy-to-use interface for creating educational, interactive, and engaging maps that can be shared and edited by others.

=Resources and Links= >
 * See []
 * Example: [|On the trail of the first people]:
 * Example: [|5 places to see a ghost on Capitol Hill]

Strengths

 * FREE!
 * Can easily meet Geography curriculum standards through map creation and searching of already-created maps.
 * Relatively quick learning curve- Easy to learn!
 * Allows users to comment on other maps in the public database.
 * Maps can be made public, private, or publishable to only approved guests (fellow classmates?).
 * Map wizard opens when you open an account, giving you an easy step-by-step process for creating maps.
 * Program is linked with Google search functions, so you can easily find information about a place or search for a location/place when creating a map.
 * Easy-to-navigate toolbars at the top are color-coded and student-friendly.
 * Can search for maps of anywhere in the world.
 * Includes a tutorial for assistance.
 * Contains both local and historical locations
 * Locations can be marked by address or by latitude and longitude
 * Tutorials are included
 * Can e-mail maps to others.
 * Kid-friendly fun!

Weaknesses
> 1) Removes the advertisements from the map; 2) Search-engine-optimized location pages will redirect to your website; (3) Provides access to an enhanced code snippet; 4) Only you can embed your map (with free version anyone can embed your map in another website).
 * Created for real estate purposes, not educational purposes, so site was not created with educators in mind.
 * Has many (small) commercial ads placed around the pages, which are distracting.
 * Seems to be used often for wedding planning since there are default wedding prompts spaced throughout site.
 * Map wizard automatically opens when creating new maps, which might be annoying to some students.
 * Maps are given an automatic numeric name when you start a new map; if you don't change the name in the wizard process, then you have to go back and change later.
 * Ad can ONLY be removed by agreeing to purchase the map. Purchasing a map will provide the following advantages:
 * The subscription plan below is clearly intended for commercial or individual buyers, not educational institutions.
 * By purchasing a map, and removing the advertisements, you agree to the following subscription plan:
 * 1 map = $5/month; 10 maps = $30/month; 25 maps = $50/month; Unlimited maps = $100/month.
 * Google Earth may be better for educational purposes if the ads become too distracting for learning.
 * There is no help button

**Opportunities**

 * Can be used with Google Earth and photo-sharing sites to create multi-layered maps.
 * Easy to research places because of its link to Google search functions. Students can learn while they create!
 * Could be used by students for solo assignments or group assignments.
 * Compare locations by address versus latitude and longitude.
 * Share graphs on the sit or use the embed code for websites and blogs.

** Threats **

 * Not created for students or children, so search-able maps could be inappropriate for younger students.
 * Commercial ads are a drawback to this site, providing opportunities for students to wander to unapproved sites.

**Ideas for the Classroom **

 * In Social Studies, this could be used to create a list of historic sites in the local area, a region, the nation, or globally.
 * Students can research areas of the world and follow the links to specific locations such as historic sites, battlefields, etc.
 * Good for a scavenger hunt activity using the search-able maps.
 * Have students create a map of a topic being learning in class (Social Studies) and require students to view others' maps, make comments, edit, etc.
 * A map can be created in a specific place for students to explore. Links or audio can be added to markers for additional educational content.