Journal 7: Google Earth - NETS-T 1,2,3,5

Evaluate a Classroom 2.0 technology tool and reflect on it

Google Earth (also tagged as "Gearth")

Definition- Google Earth is a download-able application that can be used on any computer operating Windows 2000 and later making it available to a vast number of people. The widely used free version of the program has many features that can be used in an educational setting. This version is a nearly three dimensional, virtual representation of the earth made up of satellite images in varying degrees of resolution. Mostly depending on the popularity and interest of a location, the resolution will differ, for points on land, from 15 meters to 15 centimeters with the exception of some islands having less. Expanses of ocean have no photos available unless they are in close proximity to land; however, a C.G. underwater topography does exist to a small degree. It also has some digital elevation so that viewers can see mountain ranges and canyons with a little more accuracy than previous versions. Most importantly from an educators perspective, is the ability for users to add their own data to the virtual model and make them available to others through various sources.

Cross-curricular Uses for Google Earth

This discussion led by Thomas Petra, had many teachers chiming in on the possible uses for Google Earth after explaining his use. This assignment was for middle school students who were told to track a historic typhoon that had hit the island. Students were able to make a geographic time line which they overlaid on the map. They plotted coordinates of known positions of the eye of the storm and were able to leave information about the event on the project as well. He mention that it can also be used for search and rescue. Other great uses include a literature website called Google Lit Trips that shows the course of nonfiction or realistic fiction books. This was my favorite new piece of knowledge from this discussion. As a student who once struggled with history and later learning to love much of it, I wished my teachers could have had access to this technology.

New Website for Teaching Math with Google Earth

This thread has a link to a site (Real World Math) that is dedicated to the use of Google Earth for math lessons. Many teachers chimed in saying that they love using it. One lesson that was interesting to me, teaches students how to calculate and use scientific notation. This can be a very dry subject without a real world connections.