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Rob_Hugo@PortNWHi everyone,
Please share your thoughts about our July 27 afternoon session on web resources and Chinese geography by Clayton Dube by replying to this post.
-Miranda
AnonymousI remembered when I was a child I was asked to memorize all the provinces of China and various regional, geographical features of China. Now looking back I felt that I really could not remember them all. Just by looking at the three dimentional graphcis by NASA already this afternoon already makes me think that if I could have learned Chinese geography through these useful tools I would be a much better educator.
Another thing we discussed about the underpopulated Japanese society, I found that when asian countries become more westernized, they might have already adopted many mindset which were never existed in those of their previous generations. Perhaps that is part of the side efforts of the dynamics of global economy. As Chinese old saying: Any danger can also bring infinity of opportunities. julie
AnonymousThe afternoon session was extremely helpful. I thought the review of the use of the web forum was great and allowed us to feel at ease with postings. The powerpoint presentation on the geography of China was excellent. China is shaped like a rooster to me, and that is the best way for me to recall where its geographical areas are. I look forward to learning more about the 56 official minority groups and the issues with population and environmental concerns in the large cities.
Thank you again for offering so much of what you are showing to us online. It is helpful when thinking of how to shape a curriculum for my students.
AnonymousGreetings,
I teach several geography and map skill lessons focusing on the lines/degrees of latitude and longitude before we get into the history book, so I really enjoyed, and plan to use, the two maps that we saw this afternoon. I had never seen the maps of China and the U.S. superimposed over one another with cities with similar latitudes next to one another. I also liked the "crazy" map of the different Chinese province's names replaced with the countries of similar population. I think that it will make a lot of sense for the students. 😀
AnonymousI enjoyed the visit to the computer lab, I loved the Web resources especially the MIT site. My mind just started rolling as to how I could utilize the site in my classroom.
It was helpful going over the info on posting. I started thinking how I could use this whole forum concept with my classes. I will definitly research this.
The Geography power point was awsome... I teach geography and I definitely will be able to use this for my Asia Unit! Once again I found the presentation extremely informative.
AnonymousI try my best to follow unrest movements throughout the world, since they can have a profound impact on our own politics and even the global economy. Iran, China, and elsewhere have been in the news lately regarding unrest in their countries. With regards to China, I had assumed the unrest there was simply due to an overzealous Chinese government clamping down on distant provinces, in an attempt to assert authority over people that don't necessarily see themselves as Chinese (especially in Tibet). However, I was surprised to learn how there is another component, the movement of Han Chinese westward, into lands traditionally occupied by other ethnic groups, and the increased tension between these groups has been a major contributor to conflict there. I knew China's government had a massive number of problems to deal with aside from overpopulation, increased fuel needs, the global economy, political unrest, but the aspect of cultural and ethnic difficulties did not even register with me until now. I have something new to think about.
AnonymousOn of the things that I like about the geography presentation is that it will help students to visualize the mass population that China has incomparioson to some other nations they may be familiar with.
AnonymousThe session in the computer lab was helpful as an overall guide to the forums and the information about MIT and other resources.
The geography/demographics was fast, but understandable because of time and the fact that most people have put their thoughts in the forum, so I can always go back and look at what others have said, I usually go back and reread the articles after reading some because of the the information I apparently have missed.
AnonymousThe computer lab tutorial was time well spent. Lessons on how to insert links and pictures was very helpful and I certainly will use these tools with my students as well. I usually use the computer lab while I teach research, but I will now use these methods to help my students get to certain sites so that teaching time will be increased. Sometimes students want to surf the web and this tool will curtail that from happening hopefully.
Web resources were also shown during the tutorial and I literally wanted to do flips due to the amount and high quality of the links. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a site with a wide range of topics. Included were lessons, primary source documents, and printable resources.
Plus, at the MIT site I perused and found some resources on the Industrial Revolution. I usually touch slightly upon Asian industrial development and focus primarily upon Great Britain, the United States, and the other European countries that followed in the quest to industrialize. Now I have access to extremely high quality, developed resources on Asian countries in their quest to industrialize as well.
The maps from various sources will enhance my lesson plans also. Since I teach at a new school we do not have wall maps and there are no plans to get any. I already utilize maps from various internet sites, but the particular maps shown by Clay will hook the students and draw them into learning while having fun. The map that included names of countries matched to the Chinese provinces relating to their population was especially interesting. My students would most definitely enjoy this site! Especially since population is of great importance in the modern era and in relation of energy needs now and in the future.
Population concerns in Asia and in other countries around the world will face energy, pollution, and industrialization concerns. The aging population in relation to the issues just stated poses quite a lot of concerns on how to solve the issues caused by industrializaiton and the quest for a thriving economy. I have always been concerned about these issues and now I have the use of Clay’s power point lessons and my notes to further my understanding, thereby I may further the research and discussion with my students.
AnonymousI enjoyed the refresher on the Forum Navigation. Getting out and seeing the campus and exploring a new area always helps to clear my mind. I always forget how tricky it is to do the simplest things on a forum site. Just trying to change font size or make a headline bold can be a real headache and time waster!!
On the otherside of things, I enjoyed the piece on geography. Personally, my foundation is pretty weak and I always strive to incorporate as much geography as possible. I explored the strange maps website and found three maps I already plan to use! It makes a great visual and a great discussion started for students of all ages!
8)
AnonymousWith every unit I taught my students in the 7th grade (cultures and civilizations ie mesoamerica, west africa, china, etc.), I try to stress the importance of rivers. Clay mentioned the importance of the rivers in China. I attempt to stress to my students rivers provide not only water, but (may also provide) trade, transportation, fertile land, food, etc. Things needed for civilizations. I try to name major cities to provide examples (cairo/nile, rome/tiber, etc.) I try to remind them of this key point introducing any new unit...
AnonymousThe Web session was helpful although I am familiar with various types of forums. It gave me a better idea of how we should be using it. Hopefully everything stays up here for awhile so I have an opportunity to review the various links.
The afternoon session was extremely interesting in terms of common issues in East Asia, particularly the aging population, social mobility of women, and workers having to take undesirable jobs.
clay dubeHi Folks,
A great UC Irvine historian, Ken Pomeranz, has just published a detailed analysis of the Himalayan watershed's past, present, and future. It's a grim portrait. He notes that the North China drought of 2008 was the worst since the drought that made the famine produced by the bad decisions of the Great Leap Forward even worse. The article includes a nice map and, as I've said, enormous detail. For those that are interested in the water challenges confronting China, it's an excellent resource.
AnonymousHere is a link that I found while perusing the web sources in regards to MIT Visualizing Cultures. There are primary sources of all topics, but it is still a work in progress. Not all primary sources are accessable yet.
Just to let you know I had lost it, but Sophia helped me find it after I spent too long searching for it again. Thanks Sophia!
AnonymousWhile looking at China, I think it is so important to examine the geography of the area. I plan to introduce the geography of the continent at the very begining of my unit on Asia. South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and each country with its capital need to be known prior to even discussing the various countries.
American students really do not know geography at all. It is a national joke. I want my 4th graders to have a real understanding of it before moving on to the history and literature of the area.
I really appreciated the maps included in the packet and the pivotal population map that you showed us on the screen. It reminds me of Canada and Australia. So much of the Chinese land is sparsley inhabited. Is the land not appropriate for crops?
Thank you so much for putting such an emphasis on geography. I think it is so important as a foundation for learning Social Studies.