Reflection #1: "Technology Bits, Bytes, & Nibbles"

While scrolling through the vast amount of posts on “Technology Bits Bytes & Nibbles”, I had to stop when I saw a post talking about Google Earth. Why this specific one? Well, whenever I am on Google Earth, I end up spending way too much time simply flying around the world looking at different cities, landmarks, or even my house. It is such a cool program and has evolved ten-fold since it first came out. The post “History Tools that Have Google Maps/Earth…Really Amazing” lists three other websites that allow interactivity with the Google Earth that I have not heard of but will surely hold on to for a few reasons. First, anytime a student can see something they might know in the present (i.e. a building) can then more easily relate it back to what that building looked like in the past and discuss the change that has come about. Next, interactivity is so much better for the student (and let’s be honest here, the teacher as well) than simply reading a textbook. Being able to scroll through photographs from around the globe rather than look at one or two photos that editors can put in books provides a richer, more satisfying learning experience. Finally, if someone puts so much time into making these great programs, why not use them?! I just try to imagine myself trying to put together a Google Earth lesson by myself and cannot imagine how much time would go into putting just one together. Having a large, comprehensive source already put together is so much easier for teachers. Plus, one of the sites, HistoryPin, allows users to upload their own pictures, which could easily create a fun way for students to get involved in their own family or personal history. Resources like these websites are created for us to use so that learning can be fun while also informative and modern.