Google Earth

What better way to learn about a new tool than playing around with it!  After installing Google Earth, I searched for my home address.  However, it was not able to locate my address.  It did give me the option to get a map of the city on my address - Moatsville, WV.  From just viewing Moatsville, I still could not see my house, but I did see landmarks that I was familiar with.  Google Earth is definitely an eye opener that I live out in the country; there was lots of trees, hills, and farmland with few houses.  When zoomed out, the resolution was high.  However, when I used tools to view closer the resolution then was low.  Next, I searched for the Taj Mahal which I found plain and clear.  I used the pan and tilt features which added some excitement to this tool.  

After locating the Google Map I created for the last assignment, I selected the KML option. KML is a file format used to display geographic data in an Earth browser such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Google Maps for mobile.  It was very easy to then open the KML file for Google Map in Google Earth to compare and contrast.  When using Google Earth, the level of detail was beyond belief compared to Google Maps.  I could easily create virtual field trips for my class that are engaging and detailed right from a computer!  Both Google Maps and Google Earth would be great for students to use in their education as well.  View the differences below!

Google Map

Google Earth

For the last part of this assignment, I used Google Earth for Educators to find a lesson plan to use in my classroom.  Click Here to see the lesson plan I chose!  I decided that my students, as well as myself would benefit from a scavenger hunt of capital cities using Google Earth.

This activity relates to the ISTE NETS T standard 1: Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.  It relates to this standard because when teachers make meaningful learning experiences through technology, it also teaches the students the concept as well as inspires the students to look further and learn more about the topics.  Students can experience a field trip in a virtual environment that is right at the tips of their fingers.  Or they can study a place far away and feel like they are actually there through the use of Google Earth.  Real world learning experiences are important for students and it is great to incorporate these experiences through technology and digital media.