Google Earth- Bringing the Outside In

Until reading the article on “Google Lit Trips”, I had never heard of them before, but I can easily see why they encourages students into “deeper thinking”. But these “Lit Trips” are just one of the many ways that Google Maps/Google Earth can be integrated into the classroom. This type of technology shows just how easily we can bring the outside in. Using Google Earth/ Google Maps can help students better understand what they are learning about in nearly any subject and can make their experience as realistic as if they were actually there. In a matter of seconds, students can literally go across the globe and observe everything from street corners to mountain ranges right from their seats. These trips can be helpful in schools where field trips are difficult for many reasons, especially in schools where funding is an issue or where students have disabilities that would prevent them in participating in such activities. In addition, schools that may have easier access to field trips should not ignore these technologies since they would be very helpful in enhancing their real life field trips. These virtual trips are a great way to engage students of all ages and backgrounds and their activities can be easily adapted to meet individual needs and preferences. Creating a virtual trip similar to the “Lit Trip” is something I look forward to bringing to my own classroom.