Group Four Tools - Animations and Simulations

Multiple technological devices have been explored throughout the duration of this course. This post explores three tools from the group four tools which I believed would be most beneficial when used within the education sector. These tools included Google Earth, Google Maps and Online Timelines. This blog post will explore the use of these tools, the advantages, disadvantages and  the possible use within classrooms. Finally it will include the Engagement activity from these tools.

Digital Tool One: Google Earth

Google earth is a tool that has been developed to allow the public to view images of other parts of the world. It is an easily accessible tool that is available to all. This tool has a number of benefits, and could be use within the classroom to allow higher order thinking and to develop activities. Below I have considered the Advantages and Disadvantages while also naming possible teaching strategies that this tool could create. 

Advantages: 

- It is free

-It is easily accessible 

-It is a reliable source of information 

-It is easy to manipulate and use

- easy to read 

- There are tutorials and tips that can be accessed

- there is a student work Show case section, this allows students to view other students work and to submit their own. 

- Ability to zoom in and out

Disadvantages:

- It is high resolution meaning it may take a while to load

- It is a loss of privacy (eHow, 2011) 

- May be unreliable (eHow, 2011)

- Could lack accuracy(eHow, 2011)  

The possibilities of this tool within the classroom have been explored below:

- If used in a History class Google earth coulf be used to allow students to better understand where the location is and they would also be able to explore the landmarks of this location. For example if learning about The Berlin Wall, students could locate where Berlin is in Germany, and then zoom in for a 3D view of the Berlin Wall. 

- This tool could also be used in a lower education setting (primary) to learn map reading and navigation. (WestEd, n.d)

Digital Tool Two: Google Maps 

Google Maps is an online tool used to provide maps and directions, it also supplies other information such as distances from one destination to another. This tool is easy to use and is growing in prevalence. Now when searching for something on the internet, if it is a destination a map (supplied by Google maps) automatically appears.It is a very easy tool to access and it easy to use.  Below I have explored this tools advantages, disadvantages and possible uses within the class room. 

Advantages: 

- Three different views, There is a normal map view, a satellite image view and a terrain view. Users can toggle between these different views, depending on what they need (eHow, 2012).

- It is free

-Easily accessible

-Has the ability to zoom 

-Allows you to access directions to a location

Disadvantages:

- often includes large files, which may take awhile to load. 

- Could be inaccurate and unreliable '

- Could promote students to become of tasks and look at irrelevant locations. 

- There is no privacy, everything is available to view. 

When considering the possibilities of this tool within a class room a number of ideas were developed these are discussed below:

- In history this tool could be used to view how far the Australian troops traveled in WWI and view the satellite image of Gallipoli. 

- In English if learning about descriptive writing they could choose a place/destination and then write a descriptive piece on what they see using Google maps. 

Digital Tool Three: Online Timelines

Online timelines were the final tool that was examined. It is believed that this tool will create a variety of alternative ways to present information. This tool is simple to use and easy to access. Below I have explored its advantages and disadvantages while exploring possible uses for this tool within the classroom. 

Advantages: 

- Allows the inclusion of images, text, links and locations. 

- Can be a timeline from any date

- Easy to use and manipulate

- Allows creativity

- Easily accessible 

- Allows teachers to highlight the most significant dates of history and why. 

- Ability to embed it into to blogs or wikis. 

- allows you to follow other creators and add comments. 

Disadvantages:

- can become fiddly when there is an abundance of information
- May not appeal to students interests. 
- Publicly accessible 

The most prominent possibility that came to mind when exploring this tool was the use of it within a history classroom. The Learning Manager could create a timeline based on the significant dates relating to the current topic. They could include relevant images, videos and descriptions to help the students understand. This could also be used as an assessment idea, where the students are able to create their own timeline and deconstruct a topic into further detail. 


Reference: 


WestEd, (n.d). Google Earth in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/untrusted_dlcp/www.google.com/en//educators/activities/pdfs_GTA/CribSheet.Earth5.pdf


eHow, (2012). Disadvantages & Advantages of Using Google Maps Website, retrieved from  http://www.ehow.com/facts_5612920_disadvantages-using-google-maps-website.html#ixzz22RwLnk5E

Digital Explorer (2010) 40+ ideas on using Google earth and maps in the classroom, retrieved from http://digitalexplorer.com/2010/01/12/40-ideas-on-using-google-earth-and-maps-in-the-classroom/

eHow (2011), The Disadvantages of Google Earth & Internet Mapping Service, retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_6527114_disadvantages-earth-internet-mapping-service.html