Mapping the pandemic: teaching critical map literacy with interactive COVID-19 maps
Social Studies Research and Practice
ISSN: 1933-5415
Article publication date: 17 September 2021
Issue publication date: 8 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This article helps secondary teachers use online maps about the COVID-19 pandemic to develop students' critical map literacy and digital geographic information literacy while helping students analyze the pandemic and its impact on society. The purpose of this paper is to discuss unique features of online maps, suggest six questions to bring to online maps, and provide an activity and resources to develop students' skill in using these maps.
Design/methodology/approach
For social studies teachers, online interactive maps create opportunities as well as challenges. They can be more engaging and interesting than static maps. They also show the relevance of key themes in geography as well as the power of maps to convey information. Maps about COVID-19 are used to explore themes in geography.
Findings
Interpreting COVID-19 online maps can help students learn about the pandemic, evaluate the decisions of health officials and elected leaders, and thus develop tools to participate in society as active citizens.
Originality/value
Young people and adults are often more engaged by interactive online sources; however, online maps require teachers to develop new approaches to teaching basic and critical map literacy that include elements of digital geographic information literacy. Students can learn to ask questions of maps while learning about COVID-19.
Keywords
Citation
Marcus, A.S. and Levine, T.H. (2021), "Mapping the pandemic: teaching critical map literacy with interactive COVID-19 maps", Social Studies Research and Practice, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 115-125. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSRP-08-2021-0021
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited