For my technology exploration I decided to learn more about Google Earth, and how it can be used in the classroom. One key component to Google Earth is accessibility; it’s easy to find and use. I know people and students who are not as familiar with Google docs can easily use Google Earth. This is definitely a positive aspect to Google Earth, other teachers can quickly learn how to use it for their classroom without much training. Many teachers stick to what they know and understand which causes many new and developing technologies to be felt out of the classroom. However, with the ease of Google Earth I think it is an easy and effective tool to incorporate into the classroom.
Good Earth was developed by Keyhole Inc, which is a company that was acquired by Google in 2004. Just a year later it Google Earth was re-released and made globally available. Some images are in 2D while others are now available in 3D. Not only does Google Earth provide different dimensional photographs it also is translated in 37 languages. The images it produces are astounding; images of Earth from space are now a few clicks away. Likewise, images of neighborhood are now made public which allows travelers to become familiar with a foreign area. Google Earth is now incorporated with map websites like mapquest where drivers can see actual pictures of the places they will be traveling too; this gives a sense of security to travelers.
Thinking about Google Earth in regards to TPACK is quiet simple; teachers can use images from Google Earth to teach every subject. Clearly it corresponds with geography and social studies, however it can also be used to help teach math. Seeing images can help students choose locations on the globe which can be made into math problems such as area of a place, or distances from one location to another. Language arts can also be incorporated with Google Earth; students can read about places they discover while exploring the websites. Google Earth is a very versatile technology that can be used for every subject, and every grade. It can be made basic enough for kindergartners or as advanced to fit the needs of seniors in high school.
Google Earth is so much fun! It was interesting to read about your thoughts on it and I think it is a very neat thing to use, especially in a classroom! Kids really enjoy using it too! When I was in Australia, my first grade class and I used it to find my house as well as MSU and then some of the kids showed us their houses!
ReplyDeleteGoogle Earth is very interesting! I have not had to chance to fully look into it, and your blog explained it alot for me! I think children would really enjoy it and find it amazing to do in the classroom. Children I feel will be amazed to look at the different locations on earth and think almost as if they're "spying" on someone else! This was a good idea to look into!
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