Google Earth Lessons

An Educational Resource for Teachers

Table of Contents

Teaching with Google Earth

Introduction:

Every once in a while a new computer program comes along that can be described as a 'Killer App'. A Killer App is a computer program that changes, in a very fundamental way, how we use computers. Some early Killer Apps included word processors, spreadsheets, e-mail programs and web browsers. It is entirely possible that Google Earth represents the next generation of Killer Apps. Already (at this writing) corporations such as Microsoft are getting ready to roll out their own version of what can be called ‘geo-spatial visualizers’. Early incarnations included programs such as Earth Browser and NASA’s World Wind.

With this new technology come new possibilities, and new potential pitfalls for teachers. In the pages that follow we will look at some of that potential and some of the pitfalls. We hope to provide you, the classroom teacher, with some advanced warning on what can go wrong and some ideas about how you can use Google Earth in your classroom, whether you have one computer or 50.

There are five basic sections.

Section #1 examines some General Considerations you need to take into account that will make your, and your students, experience more productive, educational and enjoyable.

Section #2 focuses on Application Considerations dealing with ways to optimize the experience of using Google Earth for smoother classroom operation.

Section #3 is where we will begin looking at the Teaching Considerations, ways to manage the use of Google Earth and its products.

Section #4 discusses strategies for using Google Earth as an educational tool in various classroom set-ups, from a one computer classroom to a full wireless laptop lab.

And finally, Section #5 will look at possible ways for you to use Google Earth in constructing lessons or guiding student learning.

This examination of Teaching with Google Earth is not intended to be the final word on the topics discussed by any means. We would love to hear from you should you have suggestions, strategies, corrections, clarifications or tips that will improve the quality of information provided here. Our common goals are identical, to be the best teachers we can be and to provide the highest quality of educational experience possible to the children in our care.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Section #1 – General Considerations
     Hardware - Synopsis: You need good computers
     Bandwidth – Synopsis: You need a robust network
     Solutions to Bandwidth Issues – Synopsis: Increase ‘Fly-To’ speed, Build a large Cache

Section #2 – Application Considerations

Section #3 – Teaching Consideration
Under development

Section #4 – Strategies for using Google Earth in Different Classroom settings
Under Development

Section #5 – Strategies for incorporating curriculum using Google Earth

Under Development