8/09/2009

Google Earth

The World At Our Fingertips 

This map was created through a program called  bighugelabs and i must admit i was a little depressed when i viewed the results. Although i have travelled throughout the blue regions on the map, there is an enormous world out there that i am yet to explore. Google Earth allows this exploration to occur without leaving your office chair.

                     Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com
Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Google Earth is a virtual globe that displays satellite images, maps, terrains, 3D buildings, the ocean floor and much more. This program would make a beneficial and engaging tool to use in any classroom, both in primary and secondary schools. It provides opportunities for learning managers to take their students on a journey of the world, in order to discover new countries and cultures, without leaving the classroom.

This concept brings new meaning to 'travel itineraries' and 'documentary films'. It makes an exploration of 'my country' and the 'seven wonders of the world' come to life. Google Earth allows 'Antarctica' and 'natural disasters' to be examined in immeasurable detail. Need i go on, as the possibilities are endless. 

Imagine immersing your students into a mathematics lesson, where their mission is to use Google Earth to measure the length, height and finally, overall dimensions, of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Other pyramids can in turn be measured, in order to construct graphs and graphic organisers. This pyramid is not only the oldest and largest pyramid in Cairo, Egypt, it is one of the seven wonders of the world. Investigations can be made as to the location of the remaining 6 wonders, including population and density, possible routes from Giza and surrounding areas. 

The early work of Bruner (1967) suggests that allowing students to interact with the world by exploring and manipulating objects that they discover on their own, can result in students being more likely to remember the concepts and the acquired knowledge. Google Earth allows exploration and manipulation of this method, while allowing students to have the world at their fingertips. As mentioned earlier, there are endless opportunities available for learning managers to develop learning experiences, by incorporating Google Earth, that can achieve desired outcomes in each of the KLA's. 

Until next time,
Kerri.

Reference:
Bruner, J. (1967). Retrieved August 12, 2009 from http://www.learning-theories.com/discovery-learning-bruner.html

1 comment:

  1. Hi Kerri,
    I too found Google Earth a powerful and engaging educational tool. The Measuring tool is very useful and quit accurate. I was only recently aware you can use Google Earth to view map images of the Moon, Mars and views underneath the ocean (amazing). What a great tool to support other teaching/learning methods.
    Thanks
    Jim

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