Google Earth is a fantastic tool that, according to Google, has its applications firmly embedded within a geographic framework. I believe this to be a rather limiting ideal as Google Earth has applications that are suited to numerous subjects within an educational context.
My tour of duty was frustrating and challenging but also fun and extremely educational. It took three full days, a dog mishap, the lose of my files, a partital flip out and a bottle of gin later, I say assuredly, with total conviction and absolutely no prejudice, that this "digital immigrant" is a Google Earth devotee.
Yes, you heard me right, I bow to the gods of technology... I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy, I'm... no need to go on, you get the picture. Anyway, to use a well worn but appropriate analogy, I travelled the scenic route, problem is... I can't upload or even form a link to the video tour I created in Google Earth. I mean, it was a masterpiece, I'm just sorry all you can do is take my word for it. Though I do promise, if I get some feedback to my email, there maybe hope yet.
Essentially, I created an interactive tour of Australia where students are given an historical overview of a place and then asked to answer various questions that are relevant and particular to the area.
Canberra explores issues of government and nationalism through an Anglo-Australian and indigenous lens. Students are asked to examine the Australian flag and how it was created, this takes them on a fact-finding journey that is interesting and surprising. Next, students are asked to research the first indigenous member of parliament. Though a little more sombre than researching the national flag, this questions embeds issues of national identity and indigenous culture.
Hobart looks at women's historical place in the Australian landscape. Issues of gender and culture are explored as students are prompted to investigate the "Women's Factory". Secondly, students are asked to investigate Truganini. Who was she and what place does she hold in Australian history.
Uluru asks us to examine the geographical, botanical and indigenous constitutions of the red centre. A sandstone rock formation, Uluru is sacred to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. Students are asked to locate the indigenous legend associated with the Uluru and if it is possible to survive in the hostile environment if lost.
The tour looks at various other places, like Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Straits where a connection with the Mabo decision and sustainability can be examined. My reasoning in choosing these places was to specifically support the cross-curriculum priorities as set out by Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). There are three cross curriculum priorities in the Australian curriculum: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia and sustainability (2010). Students are prompted to not only examine these priorities but to develop a critical understanding of the social, historical and cultural contexts of the Australian landscape.
PMI's of Google Earth
Plus: Develops higher order thinking, creativity, integrates multi-modal technologies.
Minuses: Difficult to operate as there is so many functions and applications, cannot upload creation of document, as it is not a supported file. Is time consuming.
Interesting: View satellite images, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, has GPS tracking and historical imagery, is supported by NASA which means the imagery is current.
References
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting (ACARA), 2010. English and History: Years 8 to 10 Syllabus, Retrieved March 7, 2011, from http://www.acara.edu.au/
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