Google earth- group 4 tools reflection

I believe Google maps is a fantastic tool to support and enhance what students learn. This tool can be used to unlock many doors for students by going any where in the world without leaving the classroom. The opportunities to turn the written content into an adventure of real life. I feel very passionate in using this tool in the classroom, as learning about Egypt can lead to a trip to Egypt with a few clicks of a computer mouse. Allowing the students to explore with street view. This is such an amazing opportunity for teachers and students and is a closer step to ensure all students learn in the 21st century. 

This completely changes how students learn and where their learning takes place, as technology is giving them the chance to literally explore the world, everyday in a classroom environment. 

I would use google maps in a range of ways in the classroom, by linking the content with real life situations, and the real world. Instead of students just seeing pictures of what a country is like, or how rain forests in other places are, I would allow the students to log on and explore using street view, seeing the environment in its true form. Developing and expanding on students higher order thinking and their creativity.

With this one tool you can teach Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geology, Global Awareness, History, Humanities, Literature and Math, but no longer with just simple pedagogy or with textbooks, but taking the students on a journey, that could not of been possible, if this tool was not available.

I think this is a fantastic example of the use of TPACK in the classroom. Linking together the technology, pedagogy and content. In turn allowing students to gain the knowledge in an engaging learning environment.

This also allows students of kinesthetic style learning to be able to be engaged in the classroom, without having to organise extremely timing activities. It also engages visual learners and I also feel you could link this tool into many different learning styles, such as connectivism. As it can be the beginning of not only connecting the students together but connecting to students to people all over the globe. 

I can not come up with any negatives with the use of this tool, but so many positives  It is such an extremely great tool that I highly recommend. 

Casey :)