Google Earth

"Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean." (Google Earth, 2009).

This program offers a range of interesting options for students to access, these include exploring the ocean floor, the moon and even Mars in 3D! Students can pinpoint the exact location of their home and school and follow directions to local attractions, all from a bird's eye view.

Marsh (2008) suggests that the use of computer technology during SOSE lessons is highly beneficial to students, some reasons for this are:

• flexibly meets the needs and abilities of each individual student.
• provides access to rich materials beyond the school and even the Nation.
• relevant ways for presenting new information.
• enables students to feel comfortable with the tools of the information age.

In regards to restrictions to particular websites in all Education Queensland schools, Google Earth may pose a problem if the Learning Manager wanted each student to 'have a go' at using the applications. I imagine that Google Earth would need to be used in conjunction with an interactive whiteboard or data projector in the classroom, so that the students can view it.

Regards,

Erin.

Sources:

Marsh, C. (2008). Studies of Society and Environment: Exploring the Teaching Possibilities. Frenches Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.

Google Earth. (2009). [Electronic resource]. (http://earth.google.com/). Retrieved 19 August 2009.