After taking a deeper look into Google Earth I can definitely say that there are several purposes that one could have for teaching with this application. There are also many different content areas that could be focused on, and enhanced, with the use of this program. I thought Google Earth would be especially useful in Science and History...If you are teaching about astronauts and their trips to the moon there are tours that show landing sites, 3D models of landed space craft, 360 degree photos and rare TV showing footage of actual Apollo missions. If you are focusing on global advancements and how things such as buildings, clothes, food, etc have changed throughout time you can check out older imagery of the earth to see just how it looked in the past and be able to compare and contrast this view with today's. Back to a science concept...there is a time slider that allows you to watch the sunrise and sunset from anywhere...this may help with the concept of time, seasons, etc...If you are studying the continents you can access Google Earth for a better idea of the location and surrounding areas of each...also which states lie where and what bodies of water surround them.. (if you scroll the mouse on any location the latitude and longitude are revealed..so is elevation!) I am sure you all get my drift here...this application can change the manner in which subject matter is taught! By allowing students to navigate through and play with Google Earth the nature of their learning about different concepts is changing! It is a great interactive tool that enhances knowledge! It is important that as a teacher I am aware of the many ways in which students acquire knowledge and I truly think that for those who are hands on learners, this application is PERFECT! Even for those who aren't there is plenty for them too!
Other neat features of Google Earth include, finding your house, flying under the surface of oceans and exploring underwater terrain!(useful in an oceanography lesson perhaps), marking locations(which can be shared with others) using place marks, flying into and navigating high resolution photos...There is also something known as Google Earth Outreach which I thought was really cool! It helps organizations promote public awareness about different issues happening around the world...oh, you can also record and customize your own tours that you can share with others...this could be an interesting assignment for students...Everyone should download Google Earth..It is free, takes only a couple of minutes and could be beneficial to you for the rest of your life! :)
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