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Google Earth


Google Earth displays geographic data from a wide variety of sources together in a geospatial context. The data includes imagery for the entire globe and can be useful for educational purposes. Students can use it to find their homes, schools, and other locations familiar to them. They can make inferences by comparing familiar places to other locations. Additionally, students can learn about the world through mappable data and can create and display their own data.

In the classroom, Google Earth can be used:
  • to support hands-on inquiry by students in computer classrooms.
  • as a basis for homework assignments.
  • for dynamic presentations during class lectures.
  • for inquiry during class presentations.
  • to create imagery and maps for PowerPoint, Word, and other presentation tools.
  • as a data discovery, organization, and distribution tool for research projects.
  • to enrich discussion of an issue that arises spontaneously during an informal classroom discussion.(How to Teach With Google Earth, 2020)
Here are some examples of how Google Earth can be used for lessons in the classroom: https://serc.carleton.edu/sp/library/google_earth/activities.html

Overall, I think Google Earth can be a fun way for students to explore the world and learn a bit about how it all fits together from a variety of different lenses. The tool is easy to use and applies to topics ranging from natural sciences to social sciences, history, art, engineering and most other topics that have a geographic component. By offering the ability to place this information on a three-dimensional model of the Earth, it can facilitate understanding of the Earth system and many subject areas that comprise it.

References:

How to Teach With Google Earth. (2020, June 15). Retrieved July 15, 2020, from https://serc.carleton.edu/sp/library/google_earth/how.html

Comments

  1. DesmondJuly 17, 2020 at 12:00 PM

    I am a geography teacher and I use Google Earth and Maps all of the time. My students mock me now because I am always complaining that textbooks don't have enough maps in them. So, pull up Google Maps to explain something to them.
    I also contribute to Google Maps a lot as a Local Guide. It is one of my favorite apps. I am a level 8, 😆too much time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BayraiderJuly 18, 2020 at 1:10 PM

    When I was in sales supporting mobile training course, I used Google Earth and Viso to make maps for students to get to the training site. It was a way to avoid using a copyrighted map on my digital fliers (we posted on our web site, the host's web site, and PoliceOne.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BayraiderJuly 18, 2020 at 1:14 PM

      Oh! I also used it to look at nuclear power sites as potential customers. I could look at their security team's firearms range close enough to see their target system. Then I would know if they were a potential customer for our system.

      Delete
  3. CourtneyJuly 19, 2020 at 4:02 AM

    Leah! I really enjoyed reading your post. Previously, I had never viewed Google Earth in an educational manner. When I thought of the use of Google geographically, I took for granted how much I utilize Google Maps. Thank you for bringing it to my attention of the educational value it holds.

    ReplyDelete

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