Google Earth

Playing around with Google Earth

When I explored Google Earth for the first time this week it struck just how advanced technology has become. This led me into thinking about the endless learning opportunities this creates within the classroom. This tool allows students to climb into their learning space and be taken on a journey around this three-dimensional globe. I say, what could be more engaging than this? All you need to do is type into the search pane where you want to go and you will arrive there within seconds. Google Earth allows you to do many things through the exploration of any area in the world. It allows you to zoom, rotate and tilt the Earth to be viewed in any way. This would be the perfect tool for students to explore during Geography as not only would it point out exactly where a place is within the world, but you are able to see the types of settings and vegetation in that area. These types of explorations get students minds thinking and allows for so many open ended questions which can be posed to the students. Once students have identified types of vegetation within an area this could then lead into a Science discussion. Students could search for particular ground formations, volcanoes, rivers and the list goes on and on. Students are able to create their own walks within Google Earth as well as mark points and reference to certain areas of the world. It also gives the option to add text, images and hyperlinks and then to save your walk on the computer. It is also possible to create transparent image overlays of larger areas and then add in information. This would be a great way for students to present an assignment in a fun and interactive way. Google Earth is a safe tool for students to use and it can be used within all the levels of the SAMR model of learning. It can be used in the substitution level in the place of a globe of the world. It can be used in the augmentation level to view and explore various areas of the world in the place of a large world map. It can be used within the modification level by creating an image overlay on a particular area and putting in information about that area. Google Earth can also be used within the redefinition level by students immediately accessing any area within the world to view via satellite navigation.