Week 5 - Google Maps and Earth Reflections

In exploring these two animation and simulation tools I found vast differences. There is a sense of excitement and opportunity when using Google Earth as opposed to Google Maps because of it's increased interactive abilities. I used both to access views of my house (as is the norm) as well as examining famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, Great Barrier Reef and Statue of Liberty. 

Both of these animation and simulation tools can be classed as falling under the Connectivism theory. They are both part of the digital age of learning tools and are a tool for acknowledgement of the important networking nature of learners with computers and the internet (Siemens, 2005).

Google Maps

Google Maps allows the user to view images of parts of the world. It is free to use and does not require downloading. It can be used as a virtual atlas and also for digital mapmaking.

Here is my PMI analysis on the use of Google Maps.

Plus	Minus	Interesting
Does not require downloading. Is available on portable devices with internet connection	Provides the user with quite a basic view	Could be used to help students plan their trip or create a trip log of where they went or how they would get somewhere. Accessible anywhere with internet connection
Is free to use	Not as interactive as Google Earth. Information is not always up to date.	Would be an acceptable tool to use if there is no possibility to downloading Google Earth
Three types of viewing is available. Satellite, Map or Street view	On street view business names and details appear if not switched off	Some learners learn where they are in relation to key landmarks.

 
Google Earth

Google Earth allows the user to

Take a virtual journey to any location in the world. Explore 3D buildings, imagery, and terrain. Find cities, places and local businesses.
http://www.google.com/earth/index.html

It is a software that must be downloaded in order to be accessed. It caters specifically for educators with a Google Earth for Educators page. This page provides

- Classroom resources
- Tutorials and tips
- The ability to talk teacher to teacher
- Student work showcases
- Google Earth Pro grants
- Quotes from educators about Google Earth

Here is my PMI analysis on the use of Google Earth

Plus	Minus	Interesting
Amazing 3D satellite pictures of the world and it’s landmarks	Less developed countries poorly represented	Why are there difficulties in accessing some of these less developed countries?
Fantastic resource tool for math, science and history	Has to be downloaded onto a computer to be used	Is not accessible via any other device but a computer. Limited accessibility.
Free	Need to pay for more advanced features and clearer images	May not be able to be utilised in the best way possible because of the cost
Engaging for learners	May be unreliable. Take a while to load	Teachers need to be prepared beforehand. Then what does a teacher do if it doesn’t work?
Caters for the visual, kinaesthetic and naturalistic learner	Disregard for the other types of learners	Does any tool really cater for all types of learners?
Fantastic tutorials and tips. Ability to zoom in and out.	Loss of privacy	A huge privacy issue but we as a society were never consulted about it.

Ways Google Maps can be used in the classroom

 

This concept map was created with reference to Gearth Blog and Juicy Geography.

 

References

1. Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved 20 March 2013 from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm