Task 2- I chose Google Earth!

For task 2, I decided to research Google Earth. I have this on my computer. I never really thought that it would be useful to me in terms of working with it within my classroom. I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND! I think this is going to be a great technology tool to use within my classroom as well as plan units and lessons around. I am very excited! With Google Earth, the software (easily down loadable) allows you to get an entire look at the planet from space. You use your mouse to move the earth around and find the area you want to see, all taken from satellites. You can even look for your own house! (Of course I did this, my parents house in Novi.) To me this is just a great playground for me as a future teacher. This allows me to show my students exactly what our planet, different countries, oceans, etc. look like from a point of view that far away and yet still accurate. The affordance of this item (Google Earth) will require the teacher to have a computer of course because that is where the program is. I also think Google Earth would be MOST beneficial if the students could view it in a LARGE format. For instance the computer is hooked up to a screen where what is on the computer screen is seen on a pull down screen in front of the classroom. Controlled by a box that usually is on the ceiling within the classroom. This way students can see it close up and personal. Not having to crowd around a computer. There are a few constraints with Google Earth. For instance if you are having problems with it and it is not working, or just other technical issues that can occur. The many strengths to having Google Earth available within your classroom include students being able to be "hands-on" with learning about our earth and different areas on earth. By being able to control the movement themselves or with the teachers help. Using Google Earth would go great with using the Smart Boards. That would really be AMAZING. As you would be able to write and use the Board with your hands all in front of the class. As well as allowing the students to be hands on with this and write and find places on earth. I would for sure use this technology with specific content in mind. Such as geography (maps) Social Studies (countries, cities) science and discovery (oceans, plates, mountains) As well as astronomy (rotation, moon, 24 hour days, etc.) The list is really endless with what you can do with Google Earth. I really could use this to incorporate students learning and raise excitement with what they are learning, versus just taking notes and looking in a book. Not a great way to spark students interests, especially elementary grades! TPACK is great also with using Google Earth. It is using technological content and applying it with pedagogical ideas and all using this to teach content with technology as the component. I LOVE IT. With Google Earth 5 ( I don't have that version..yet) you can look at the ocean floor and data from marine experiments. There is so much you can use with that to teach students (science, social studies) great way to inform/teach great content with real-time images. Something that will really draw in the students in a way like never before. As well as being able to record for Google Earth and for touring it. Great way for students to apply their learning. As well as for the teacher to prepare a "trip through____" before class starts with their voice recorded. SO COOL!