Google Earth: Fundamental for the Geography Classroom

Google Earth has to be a part of any geography teachers arsenal.  The more I play around, the more I think of uses in the classroom, it's just a matter of pinpointing the features that can be used most appropriately.  GE 5 (the latest version) brought the power of voice overs to Google Earth with the new audio touring feature.  I'm stoked.  Now students can create tours within Google Earth (flying from one location to another) and talk to an audience as they do so.  It can be played back and listened to by any other GE 5 user and it's all for free.  Here's how it works.  

1.  Download GE 5 (it's new in Feb 2009 and has the touring feature)

2.  Click on the camera icon on the toolbar and then the record button in the bottom left corner.  Make sure your mic is plugged in! (see screenshot below)

3. Create a tour as a sample for your students

Links to education and other cool stuff:

1. Good for second language learners to practice speaking as part of an assignment

2. Good for the 'quiet' student in class, but who might have much more to say when behind a mic on his/her own

3.  Can be used to recap a school trip, or a summer vacation, or to highlight regions in the news.

4. Allows students to consider the concept of scale, stopping at different scales to make comments.  Much better than a static map in this regard.

5.  It's fun and can be viewed by anyone who has downloaded GE 5!

I've created an example assessment based on a documentary film about  illegal migration from Mali to Europe.  The idea is that students use the touring tool to zoom and talk about the places that these migrants go to as they struggle to get to Europe for a better life.  Email me at calvert.christopher@gmail.com if you want a copy.  I can send you the KMZ file.   Thanks.