Newsmap is a nifty Web 2.0 tool that utilizes the Google News aggregator to provide a visual representation of news stories from around the world. One really cool feature of this application is the stories are presented in a color coded grid based on the type and importance of articles at the time the site is accessed. For example, blue represents the latest sports headlines.
Another neat element of Newsmap is that users can customize the types of news stories they would like to be displayed (i.e. world news, national news, entertainment, etc.) as well as the country/countries from which they would like to review. Yep, just select a specific country—and watch the visual magic unfold! Or choose more than one country at a time, and the site will display the preferences side-by-side.
If information related to a specific topic is needed—no problem! Enter the keyword into the Newsmap search window and within seconds, this “cool tool” will produce a variety of news stories associated with the desired keyword.
My favorite Newsmap feature: Each news story is hyperlinked to the actual article and can be accessed by simply hovering over the headline and then clicking on it. Pretty cool, huh?
Check out the screenshot I took of the Newsmap site earlier today:
Classroom Connection:
Newsmap is an excellent classroom resource—one that can be utilized in a whole group setting or independent activity to expose students to a variety of current events. With its colorful visual presentation of articles and various filters, Newsmap is also an excellent tool for motivating students of all learning styles to become more informed and interested in the daily news.
Besides using Newsmap articles to generate classroom discussions, this site can be used to show students how a story that is popular in one country may be insignificant in another. What a great talking point or writing prompt!
So… What are you waiting for? Check Newsmap out today!
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