This is a small tutorial video shows that , how to label places in Google my map easily. This can be done in Social Science Class Room or we can give as formative activity to the students.
The following features are available in Google Map.
About Me – Akbar Ali
I am Akbar Ali, an educator, Wikidata volunteer, and journalist from India, currently residing in the United Arab Emirates. I am passionate about teaching, artificial intelligence, Wikipedia editing, Wikidata volunteering, humour, music, reading, and exploring beaches and hills—in that order.
Teaching and Education
My educational journey began in India, where I spent my most valuable years in the teaching-learning process. I am committed to delivering quality education through creative, inclusive, and engaging approaches, focusing not only on academic knowledge but also on nurturing life skills such as:
Critical thinking
Collaboration
Digital literacy
As the Head of the Social Science Department, I have led numerous teacher training programs, coordinated staff development sessions, and implemented innovative teaching strategies that encourage inquiry and real-world connections.
Technology Integration and Digital Tools
My core interest lies in applying technology to education. I believe that high-tech tools can spark creativity and fuel enthusiasm in the classroom. I actively use platforms such as:
AI Tools
Wikidata
Wikipedia
ClassDojo
MS 365
Google Workspace
These tools help students connect with global education ecosystems, exposing them to diverse perspectives and cultures.
As a ClassDojo Ambassador in the UAE, I have successfully trained over 430 teachers from various countries on integrating digital tools to improve student engagement and communication.
Wikimedia Involvement & International Participation
I am an active contributor to Wikipedia and Wikidata, and have represented the Wikimedia movement at several international conferences as a speaker, trainer, and panelist:
International Conferences Attended
WikiLib Conference 2025 – Mexico
Wikimedia Hackathon 2025 – Istanbul, Turkey
EduWiki Conference 2025 – Eldorado, Colombia (Two sessions)
WikiArabia 2024 – Muscat, Oman (Pywikibot session)
EduWiki Conference 2024 – Montevideo, Uruguay (Panel discussion)
WikidataCon 2019 – Berlin, Germany (Panel discussion)
EduWiki Conference 2023 – Belgrade, Serbia (Two sessions)
WikiArabia 2022 – Dubai, UAE
Wikimedia India Conference 2016 – Punjab (Speaker)
Wikimedia India Conference 2016 – Hyderabad, Telangana (Panel discussion)
In addition to presenting, I have led AI and Wikimedia training sessions for teachers, university students, and school learners across India and the UAE.
Training and Outreach
In 2022, I led a training program for all school librarians in Dubai, held at the Rashid Library in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation.
I have also conducted in-person and online training for educators and students from leading institutions, including:
Kerala University
Malayalam University
Farook College
Ma’din Academy
Bukhari College
Markaz College
PMSM College
Al Ihsan College
FACE Academy
Sree Krishnapuram College
I regularly offer virtual training via platforms like Edume for global educators.
Writing and Media Engagement
Before moving to the UAE, I worked as a journalist in Malappuram, Kerala, reporting for both newspapers and a local TV channel. I continue to contribute to:
Newspapers
Magazines
Blogs
Wikipedia articles
I also manage two blogs and a YouTube channel, where I share educational tutorials, AI-based teaching tools, and reflections on classroom practices.
Social Commitment
Beyond professional roles, I am deeply committed to social upliftment through education. In my spare time, I taught students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Kerala, many of whom studied in religious institutions and lacked access to mainstream schooling.
Recognition
Delegate at Qudwa International Teachers Forum 2017 – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Featured multiple times in leading Malayalam newspapers and The Indian Express for my contributions to education and Wikimedia outreach.
Recognized for community-based initiatives and use of technology in education