For this class assignment I experimented with several Google sites and tools. The first website was Google Sketchup. Google Sketchup allows you to draw shapes in 3D. Users need to be able to navigate using the orbit,, zoom, and hand tools. You simple draw a shape and pull it into 3D. It was easy and fun to use; quite interesting. I would use this tool in mathematics but I welcome any other suggestions.
The second website was Google Earth. Google Earth lets you go anywhere on Earth via satellite imagery. I took a virtual tour of my community where I teach. I enjoyed traveking in 3D mode to my destination. This a great way to bring the world into our classroom. I would implement it in Science, Social Studies and current events in so many facets.
I experimented with several Google Tools. One was iGoogle. Its like a widget where you can customize your homepage. It had great animation. I would allow students to customize our class home page.
Google Calendar allows you to make your personal calendar public for viewing. I would have students create their class calendars and have them and their parents follow our class events and schedules throughout the year.
Google Images is somewhat like a search engine for pictures and images. Some contents are free and dowloadable while others are copyrighted. Students will benefit from using this tool to create multimedia presentations.
Google Reader allows you to forward individual websites of interest into an account. It could be anything from favorite blogs to articles to book reviews. You are able to read them whenever you wish to. I would use this if I had a class blog. My students would be able to track their blogs.
Google Docs was interesting. It basically eliminates sending attachments with emails where multiple copies can be viewed. Google Docs consists on only one document that can be revised and edited as needed online. This would work splendidly for writing.
Google Maps is a lot like Google Earth. Its takes you on a virtual tour that you can share and email to others. This technique couldn't be done using Google Earth. This tool could be used in various ways; Social Studies (longitude/latitude), math (plots, coordinates), and reading (following directions).
Google Search is basically a search engine. It uses easy word-search strategies to download information. This tool could be used in researching information.
Blogger allows you to collaborate with people by posting and having individuals comment to the post. The tutorial I viewed demostrated how to create and use a blog. This would be a great tool to use as a classroom blog where students will be able to peer edit peers writings.
The final website I experimented with was http://www.googlelittrips.org/.
Literature could be though using Google Earth. The students would discover where in the world the greatest road trips stories actually took place. I navigated to Marching for Freedom by Elizabeth Patridge. It tells the personal accounts of children who actually help change history by particiating in the marches. Through Google Earth you are able to track the historical route from Selma to Montgomery. In sidebars, there are actually recollections of adults as children of their thoughts an feeling during the march. This is truly awesome. Students can benefit temendously from this site. I would use this in project during Black History Month. It speaks in volumes.
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