Have I mentioned that I love maps?

Maps speak to me as a visual learner. When Google Earth first came out, my students and I were fascinated to be able to look at things on the other side of the world so closely. And to find ourselves looking at our backyards on the Internet!

Previously, we made a personal map in Google Maps. I didn't realize one had the capability to make personal maps and keep them on file whenever you need. I am going to Europe this fall and this will be a great tool to use! So, now that we had our map, we then turned into a Google Earth map.  Here is what mine looks like:

 How cool is that?? Our trip does not include Paris, but now I really really want to go!!

This was all done by using a KML file change. KML is an acronym for Keyhole Markup Language.
When I looked it up, this was the most information my neophyte brain could handle.  My husband is the one versed in coding and more advanced computer stuff than I.  I'm not sure how to "port information" other than just clicking the link to change the view. However, I can tell you that I find it important because again, it makes the world a smaller, more manageable place for smaller minds. Heck, it even makes me step back and say "wow!" Changing a view from a regular map to a satellite one is beneficial because it gives a real world view. It brings the faraway world to your doorstep and your classroom. Never been to Angkor Wat? Go there!!! For me, it just feeds my wanderlust to see images of faraway places and imagine myself there seeing the sights and smelling the smells.

Fortunately for us, the wizards over at Google have been cooking up more than maps and cool ways to  look at the world. The also have lesson plans to help you use these maps in new and inventive ways. The one I liked best can be found here.  This lesson helps students to map, analyze and critique where famous photographs were taken and their social, cultural, historical and geographical importance. The lesson indicates that this should stay within the confines of American photography, but I would expand it into world photography. A lot of students learn about time, but neglect the element of space. Why is the space around us so important? What was happening there? Why did these events take place and what led up to them? So many images are so iconic of the times, from this one here to this one, we need to learn about the where along with the why. As a teacher, I've found my student's poor grasp of geography to be staggering, now here is a fun way to incorporate that into lessons and daily life!

Also fun from Google, kinda in the same vein is this! What a dream come true!! What a feeling to view art up close and not get yelled at by guards! Students no longer need a passport to get the full effects of the art world. It is right at their fingertips!

NETS T standards:
1) Facilitate learning and creativity
2) Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments
3) Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility

Using Google Earth and all of its unique applications certainly fosters creative and innovative thinking. Students also hone their technological skills and learn trial and error from playing around with forgiving applications like this one. Students also learn about greater world they live in by bringing it into their homes and classrooms. Disaster and war may seem far away, but they can see the ramifications first hand. They can also enjoy the sublime beauty and man-made innovation the world has to offer too.