Please fasten your safety belts. We're ready for takeoff!

So apparently there are some newer features on Google Earth that I was unaware of... specifically, the flight simulator. How cool! In addition, you can view under the surface of the ocean, view historical imagery to see how it has changed over decades, and even take guided tours of the Moon and Mars! Wow! What endless possibilities this creates for the classroom! I went to Google maps just to explore, since it had been awhile and I was able to click on webcam icons all over the country and view random videos. It was funny to hear the dialect in the Crossville, TN video. I can see how this would be a useful tool in seeing the landscapes, and even hearing the different accents around America!

I was curious to know how educators are taking advantage of such powerful technology and bringing it into the classroom. For the youngest learners, they can be asked to identify things in their neighborhood, or things in the community, such as hospitals. Elementary students have been asked to identify community leaders (police, firemen...) create placemarks about life at home (birthdays). Middle school students were learning in the classroom about human migration/ethnic groups and were able to pinpoint and mark this locations! Such a powerful visual tool for the classroom!

I checked out GoogleEarthGoods and learned additional ways in which this tool is used in the classroom. You can view with your class the place you are going before the field trip, maybe a fun little treat to get them excited. You can embed voice/audio onto google maps or take a virtual drive with your students! Anywhere in the world! It would be a fun activity to select a location, drive duration, things to look for, notate things you saw, and other exploratory details. Older students could use google earth and sketchup to contruct a new city. I feel certain this could be a group project that would be fun for all students!

I was very impressed with the newest features on Google Earth and excited to find out the extent of usefulness it has for the classroom! I never would have thought of these uses had I not GAINED tonight ;)