Using Google Earth and Google Maps to Engage Students Relearning Indigenous Science and Engineering

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: PCs in the Himalayas and iPads on the Reservation: Impact of Technology on Learning Within Cultures

Abstract

Objective:
The use of the Geoweb has exploded in recent years, along with the emerging field of neogeography (… 2008). Neogeography is defined by Di-Ann Eisnor as, “… people using and creating their own maps, on their own terms and by combining elements of an existing toolset. Neogeography is about sharing location information with friends and visitors, helping shape context, and conveying understanding through knowledge of place.” (… 2008, 11-12). The development of web-based map-making services such as Google Earth and Google Maps have given new tools to indigenous peoples to assert their sovereignty by using Geoweb technologies to re-present their own conceptions of place and knowledge (Sletto, portal, 1:2).
By allowing for creation of maps that can include video, photos and other multimedia, a more complex landscape can be portrayed. “Indigenous place names do not exist in isolation, but rather in a network of relation. Thus stories link to other stories, as journeys and recollections by various individuals connect to those undertaken by others on the land… The ‘web’ of place names serve as a foundation for linking indigenous knowledge in local language between elders and youth, and for advancing the ability of that transfer to occur.”(Luke, 2009, p. 18) Thus, Geoweb technologies can be an effective means for helping strengthen the transfer of traditional ways of knowing in place-based educational efforts for Native youth.

Overview, Methods and Data Sources
The Back to the Earth (BTTE) program is a joint project led by the University of Idaho in collaboration with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Students from both tribal communities are connected by the watershed of the Spokane River. Participants in BTTE have been engaged in learning how post-colonial land-use changes impact the watershed, traditional and contemporary means of determining water quality, and how land-use policies can help restore the watershed for both tribes. Students are documenting their learnings through multi-media tools that are uploaded to a Google Earth-based, “Virtual Watershed.” Both tribes will be actively involved in determining with the students about which content should be publically available, and that which should be maintained solely for family and tribal use.

Results
Google Earth has been actively involved in promoting its tools to indigenous communities in order for them to address environmental issues. As part of its efforts, Google is hosting an “Indigenous Mapping Day, “. As part of the BTTE efforts, students will be encouraged to develop maps that reflect their learnings, including stories, multimedia content, and posts, and share them Google events such as indigenous mapping events. Their products will be shared during the symposium.

Conclusions and Significance
The integration of the Geoweb into STEM education may serve as a powerful tool for the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Tribes to both attract youth into STEM education, as well as to strengthen opportunities for intergenerational learning. The flexibility and accessibility of Google Earth will help community members, educators and youth assert their voice in how future watershed decisions are made.

Author

• Laura Anne Laumatia, University of Idaho