Google Maps/Earth: benefits in the classroom

 Google Maps and Google Earth are useful applications brought to us through Apple some time ago. These apps were designed to act as navigation tools and/or GPS for us in our day to day activities. Going on trips, finding a new grocery store, or traveling to a new location were all made simpler. However these apps have a lot more worth than just a fancy GPS system. Like Google Earth’s website states, education is enhanced and created through discovery. 

The use of Google Earth is a widely used tool in many classrooms across the country. Not only can students access maps and roads anywhere in the world, they can utilize the 3D map function to feel as if they are actually in the location they searched for. This feature shows an almost real time image of the location, with a 3D toggle that allows 360 viewing. A student can quite literally explore any location as if they were journeying and exploring themselves. This feature allows the student to get a better understanding of geography and topography that they wouldn’t get from a book or YouTube video. And in addition, Google maps/earth sends out employees of Apple in cars with a 360 degree camera once a year to refresh their 360 imaging, so the experience is always up to date yearly. 

Some classroom applications an educator can utilize is active research and journaling through Google maps/ earth. In addition to their research on a specific country or area, they can use the maps feature to research layout and geography to have a better understanding of what they are learning. Critical thinking is promoted since the students have a literal 360 image of what they are learning, allowing them to put an image to the word. For example, to read about and see pictures of the Sphinx is wonderful. To be able to walk around the Great Sphinx and get the real experience virtually is exceptional, and for some students, this additional perspective is all it takes to enhance their learning experience. There are many more prompts to utilize in these applications, for example “a basic feature such as the ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ can be used as a tool for developing students’ critical thinking skills. Have students click the button twice to compare the geographic and other features of a location, then compare and contrast the two locations. Random locations could also be used as a creative writing prompt.” (McLemore, 2020).

https://www.google.com/earth/education/

McLemore, Caitlin. “Enhancing Curriculum through Google Earth.” EdTechTeacher, 2 July 2020, https://edtechteacher.org/enhancing-curriculum-through-google-earth/.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is Google meet, zoom, or video calling a positive influence in the world of education?

       In the world of education, there is talk of ways to interpret and adjust to the new wave of technology that has plowed its way into our culture. Cell phones, computers, video games, video calls, zoom, google meet, these are all applications that have changed the dynamic of our social system as well as how we communicate both in school and at home. While it's assumed that technology has a strictly positive influence, we often overlook the ways that technology inhibits our youth's ability to communicate.      The main obstacle within education in my opinion has always been whether or not there is collaboration and interaction within the virtual world. Since technology is a tool most teachers and even parents want to utilize, virtual learning and conferencing is unavoidable, but can the students experience the same level of interaction through a screen? A video or face time call is assumed to be effective because you can see the other person/ ...
Read more

Assistive Technology Integration

       As teachers, we are always on the hunt for new ways to assist our students and promote higher learning. For all students however, learning can look and appear in a variety of ways. Some students may take a different approach to learning and others may require some form of assistive technology. Here lies the issue. Can the educator fulfill the needs of the student if the educator themselves aren't equipped mentally or technologically? Assistive technology, and any technology for that matter is going to be a crucial part of any classroom, but can a teacher relate and build trust with the student without being equipped with the tools to "speak their language?" I've interacted with teachers, coaches, and counselors who aren't well acquainted with certain technologies or strategies to help their students and they are okay with it. They have accepted that there may be some students they "can't reach" or may "pass off" to other teachers mor...
Read more

What is a Makerspace?

     Much like the name implies, makerspaces are areas or environments where a student can work by themselves or with their peers to experience problem solving and create solutions to problems and obstacles. These spaces are typically designed and maintained by the educator, aimed towards promoting teamwork and problem solving. Students can attain problem solving skills through working in woodshops, tech labs, group projects, seminars, and more.      A makerspace can be any setting where an individual or group has the resources and/or time to discuss and work through a problem or scenario with the intent of creating a solution or number of solution. Many Socratic style seminars are typically utilized in a University setting where students can discuss and debate certain the implications of a given topic. These spaces are designed so that rather than have the students just listen to a lecture, they can be fully immersed in the learning and have the opportunit...
Read more