Technology used to support geography teaching can help students learn to:
• think spatially and use maps
• develop geographical enquiry
• obtain, analyse and present geographical information
• recognise their role as global citizens
• explore their responsibilities towards people and the planet
• work collaboratively.
Google Earth
Google Earth is one way geography teachers can use ICT to make learning about landscapes, places and societies more stimulating for students.
Google Earth is a software program that combines maps and terrains with 3D images and satellite imagery. Students can use it to explore rich geographical content – from the UK and overseas. They can add in, and save, their own content to create their own virtual field trips.
Here’s how it can be used:
• The class researches different uses of urban land in Marrakech, Morocco.
• Some students fly out to Marrakech for a fieldtrip.
• The students take photos and video of the different areas they visit.
• They download their images onto a Google Earth map and add in information about the areas.
• Classmates back in the UK access this information and use Google Earth to analyse the data.
• Using waypoints photographs are taken and tagged using GPS (Global Positioning Satellite), so the students in the UK can create a virtual tour of the fieldwork area.
• The tour is saved onto the school’s online network so it can be seen by all students in the class. And their parents.
Visit Digital Explorer or Google Earth for more information or an introductory demonstration of the technology.