Hi Bloggers,
I have used MediaFire as an online file storage system where I can upload my documents and presentations for you all to view. This program was very reader-friendly and its functions were easy to access. As I was not familiar with this website I used the steps provided on the CQU University moodle website. (2009). These were easy to follow, therefore I made sure I retrieved the Sharing URL which was requested and required to be placed within this blog.
The sharing URL is of the following: http://www.mediafire.com/?meoztwijtnt
The above link will take you straight to a video which I uploaded on to MediaFire. The reason I decided to choose this video was because I believed it was relevant. In our university subject ensuring student success, some of you may recall our presentation completed on the NAPLAN testing. The following video is the one in which we had technical difficulties with and therefore could not be viewed. It was an interview held with a student from Parkhurst State School.
Although the video is quite a large file, it only took a few minutes to upload to this online file storage site. it was quite amazed by this, as other websites I have tried to upload similar things to before have either said file is too large or have taken a few hours to upload.
Feel free to leave comments and feedback on your thoughts of the video, that would kindly be appreciated.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). File Storage. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
MediaFire. (2009). Free File Hosting Made Simple. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://www.mediafire.com/
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
VoiceThread
Hi Bloggers,
I have just had my first encounters with an online program called VoiceThread. (2009) I was introduced to his teachnology through our online courseware website, before that I never knew it existed. I found this program quite easyto use however, a few times a couple of the pictures uploaded blank but after a few attempts they worked. The only trouble I have is that I don't have access to any microphones, so I have used text to write comments on the pictures, therefore I couldn't really try anything different. however in previous times I have used program similiar to this before where a voice has been recorded.
I have provided you with the following link which is where all the pictures I uploaded to VoiceThread are viewable and accessible. The link is http://voicethread.com/share/579147/
Right at the the end of this process I had troubles are making it accessiabole and viewable for the public, but after speding a little time I managed to find this function so it is now readily avaiable for your access and comments.
The presentation I created was one of my family. To me and most other people I would think, family is a big part of everybodys lives, hence the reason for this creation.
Using this type of technology within teaching could be used in a few different ways. The most effective I do believe is possibly presenting children with a range of photos and videos which could be used to show example of different animals or whatever the topic may be that they are learning. However, if the children were to use this technology they could be completing a presentation which alternatively doesn't need any information presented jsut pictures. Instead of putting them of printing out pictures and placing them on a poster, you could connect up a projector which is then big enough for all students and audiences to view. The only way to learn how to use these programs is to practice what your doing. Therefore according to the learning pyramid there is an average retention rate of 75% by learning in this style.
How did your experiences go with the new program of VoiceThread? i'd like to know your thoughts. = )
Cheers,
Courtney
References
Active Learning Online. (2000). Learning Pyramid. Retrieved on 30th July, 2009, from: http://www.acu.edu/cte/activelearning/whyuseal2.htm
Central Queensland Univrsity. (2009). VoiceThread. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
VoiceThread. (2009). Group conversations around images, documents and videos. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://voicethread.com/#home
I have just had my first encounters with an online program called VoiceThread. (2009) I was introduced to his teachnology through our online courseware website, before that I never knew it existed. I found this program quite easyto use however, a few times a couple of the pictures uploaded blank but after a few attempts they worked. The only trouble I have is that I don't have access to any microphones, so I have used text to write comments on the pictures, therefore I couldn't really try anything different. however in previous times I have used program similiar to this before where a voice has been recorded.
I have provided you with the following link which is where all the pictures I uploaded to VoiceThread are viewable and accessible. The link is http://voicethread.com/share/579147/
Right at the the end of this process I had troubles are making it accessiabole and viewable for the public, but after speding a little time I managed to find this function so it is now readily avaiable for your access and comments.
The presentation I created was one of my family. To me and most other people I would think, family is a big part of everybodys lives, hence the reason for this creation.
Using this type of technology within teaching could be used in a few different ways. The most effective I do believe is possibly presenting children with a range of photos and videos which could be used to show example of different animals or whatever the topic may be that they are learning. However, if the children were to use this technology they could be completing a presentation which alternatively doesn't need any information presented jsut pictures. Instead of putting them of printing out pictures and placing them on a poster, you could connect up a projector which is then big enough for all students and audiences to view. The only way to learn how to use these programs is to practice what your doing. Therefore according to the learning pyramid there is an average retention rate of 75% by learning in this style.
How did your experiences go with the new program of VoiceThread? i'd like to know your thoughts. = )
Cheers,
Courtney
References
Active Learning Online. (2000). Learning Pyramid. Retrieved on 30th July, 2009, from: http://www.acu.edu/cte/activelearning/whyuseal2.htm
Central Queensland Univrsity. (2009). VoiceThread. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
VoiceThread. (2009). Group conversations around images, documents and videos. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://voicethread.com/#home
Using Music on the Web
Hi Bloggers,
The following is a quote I found on The Improviser website which was written by Emma Sheehy.
"Children learn to talk by experimenting and listening; they can learn to make music by experimenting and listening--unless we stop them! Place children in surroundings that are full of "invitations to learn," provide them with encouraging and sympathetic attitudes from adults, as well as knowledge, and amazing things can happen--especially to the sensory perceptions that are central to the arts...do we have the courage to embark with them on what are frequently unknown seas?" (Unknown year).
I completely agree with this quote it's true in all environments there is music that can be made and we can learn this through experimentation. This is especially true for children they start off as babies making different noises with their mouths and then continues on over the following years while growing up to making noises with objects in rooms. If the noise is not made how will you ever know what it sounds like? I believe you wouldn't and that could be something that you might always wonder about.
Therefore I downloaded a track from Incompetech (2009). which was called Enter the PArty which was classed as a funk song. When I first listened to it, I was reminded of techno beats. However, after sitting and listening for a little while I sounded out the bests, one sounded like clicking another tapping and there were many other noises that sounded alike. I thought it was quite interesting in how this piece of music was composed. I personally really enjoyed this piece of music I downloaded and it was the very first one I chose.
I believe this could be used in similiar circumstances whether it be in classroom or a music lesson you could get teh children to recreate this piece. First they would have to listen and see what they could pull out of the music for instnace slipping etc. and then recreate this music piece with musical instruments and any other resources which could be utilised. It would be quite challenging but a very creative activity at the same time. The students would really have to think. Once they had decided they could record their piece of music then put onto the computers for editing and then present it back to the class. They could also burn it on to a cd to take home as a keepsake copy and also to show to parents. Another way this activity could be done is through a software package on a computer possibly Garageband where sounds are already set up they would jsut have to choose which instruments and how long they would like them to play etc. This might encourage how long beats are held for and go into other musical aspects. As well as this task being challenging I could also imagine it as being a lot of fun while working in groups together.
I believe music is an essential part in most peoples lives, and I personally listen to music on a daily basis. I love it for so many different reasons but mostly because it's soothing and helps to relax and sleep. Before today I had never heard of Incompetech and usually don't download music due to copyright and downloading laws which prohibit this however, I plan to use Incompetech in the future not only because it is covered under the Creative Commons agreement but because I would also like to see what otehr music is offered on this site and may be able to use in my teaching somewhere in the near future.
I'd like to know your thoughts and opinions on my music and activity.
Thanks and Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). Using Music on the Web. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
Incompetech. (2009). Incompetech. Retrieved on August 9, 2009, from http://incompetech.com/
The Improviser - The international journal on free improvisation. (Year Unknown). Music Quotes. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://www.the-improvisor.com/muquotes.html
The following is a quote I found on The Improviser website which was written by Emma Sheehy.
"Children learn to talk by experimenting and listening; they can learn to make music by experimenting and listening--unless we stop them! Place children in surroundings that are full of "invitations to learn," provide them with encouraging and sympathetic attitudes from adults, as well as knowledge, and amazing things can happen--especially to the sensory perceptions that are central to the arts...do we have the courage to embark with them on what are frequently unknown seas?" (Unknown year).
I completely agree with this quote it's true in all environments there is music that can be made and we can learn this through experimentation. This is especially true for children they start off as babies making different noises with their mouths and then continues on over the following years while growing up to making noises with objects in rooms. If the noise is not made how will you ever know what it sounds like? I believe you wouldn't and that could be something that you might always wonder about.
Therefore I downloaded a track from Incompetech (2009). which was called Enter the PArty which was classed as a funk song. When I first listened to it, I was reminded of techno beats. However, after sitting and listening for a little while I sounded out the bests, one sounded like clicking another tapping and there were many other noises that sounded alike. I thought it was quite interesting in how this piece of music was composed. I personally really enjoyed this piece of music I downloaded and it was the very first one I chose.
I believe this could be used in similiar circumstances whether it be in classroom or a music lesson you could get teh children to recreate this piece. First they would have to listen and see what they could pull out of the music for instnace slipping etc. and then recreate this music piece with musical instruments and any other resources which could be utilised. It would be quite challenging but a very creative activity at the same time. The students would really have to think. Once they had decided they could record their piece of music then put onto the computers for editing and then present it back to the class. They could also burn it on to a cd to take home as a keepsake copy and also to show to parents. Another way this activity could be done is through a software package on a computer possibly Garageband where sounds are already set up they would jsut have to choose which instruments and how long they would like them to play etc. This might encourage how long beats are held for and go into other musical aspects. As well as this task being challenging I could also imagine it as being a lot of fun while working in groups together.
I believe music is an essential part in most peoples lives, and I personally listen to music on a daily basis. I love it for so many different reasons but mostly because it's soothing and helps to relax and sleep. Before today I had never heard of Incompetech and usually don't download music due to copyright and downloading laws which prohibit this however, I plan to use Incompetech in the future not only because it is covered under the Creative Commons agreement but because I would also like to see what otehr music is offered on this site and may be able to use in my teaching somewhere in the near future.
I'd like to know your thoughts and opinions on my music and activity.
Thanks and Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). Using Music on the Web. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
Incompetech. (2009). Incompetech. Retrieved on August 9, 2009, from http://incompetech.com/
The Improviser - The international journal on free improvisation. (Year Unknown). Music Quotes. Retrieved on 12th August, 2009, from: http://www.the-improvisor.com/muquotes.html
SlideShare
Hi Bloggers,
Slideshare was a whole new program to me as I had never heard of it before, therefore I didn't know what it was used for. After reading information from courseware website Moodle, I discovered that slideshare allows you to upload powerpoint files to a publicly viewable space. (Central Queensland university, 2009). It's basically like an online storage file however with different capabilities. I uploaded a powerpoint presentation which was used last week for a group oral presentation is the subject of Ensuring Student Success. The powerpoint presentation is embedded below.
I was surprised to see that when I uploaded the powerpoint presentation it turned into a video clip which could still be used similar to a powerpoint but made it a little extra exciting as opposed to the normal everyday presentation.
When students have got the skills down for powerpoint and know how to use it properly, to enhance their presentations they could then place it in the slideshare website where it gets turned into a clip. They could then further it and provide an audio clip or record a narrative file for this presentation. Unfortunately I was unable to provide the audio file of a narrative for this activity, as I'm still learning how to complete all those activities and I don't have access to a microphone in which I can complete this at the current time.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). SlideShare. Retrieved on 15th august, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
SlideShare. (2009). SlideShare: Present yourself. Retrieved on 14th August, 2009, from: http://www.slideshare.net/
Slideshare was a whole new program to me as I had never heard of it before, therefore I didn't know what it was used for. After reading information from courseware website Moodle, I discovered that slideshare allows you to upload powerpoint files to a publicly viewable space. (Central Queensland university, 2009). It's basically like an online storage file however with different capabilities. I uploaded a powerpoint presentation which was used last week for a group oral presentation is the subject of Ensuring Student Success. The powerpoint presentation is embedded below.
I was surprised to see that when I uploaded the powerpoint presentation it turned into a video clip which could still be used similar to a powerpoint but made it a little extra exciting as opposed to the normal everyday presentation.
When students have got the skills down for powerpoint and know how to use it properly, to enhance their presentations they could then place it in the slideshare website where it gets turned into a clip. They could then further it and provide an audio clip or record a narrative file for this presentation. Unfortunately I was unable to provide the audio file of a narrative for this activity, as I'm still learning how to complete all those activities and I don't have access to a microphone in which I can complete this at the current time.
Naplan Pp
View more presentations from Court22.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). SlideShare. Retrieved on 15th august, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
SlideShare. (2009). SlideShare: Present yourself. Retrieved on 14th August, 2009, from: http://www.slideshare.net/
Friday, August 7, 2009
WIKIPedia
Hi bloggers,
Wikipedia (pronounced /ˌwiːkiˈpiːdiə/ or /ˌwɪkɨˈpiːdiə/) is a multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopedia project. (Wikipedia, 2009). I have used WIKIPedia many times before, especially for the use of finding definitions, although you need to make sure it's what your looking for. Even though there are a tight set of guidelines on what information is contributed, (Central Queensland University, 2009). there are still a few things that are published that have no relevance to the actual topic you are researching. Need to ensure the information you find is accurate and correct before utilising it.
I undertook a search in the area of Early Childhood which is what I'm specialising in. However I didn't really find many resources and those that I did find were not of a technological nature. I found many resources for outdoor use to help with gross motor programs.
Although I did not find the following program of PALS on Wikipedia I felt it was appropriate that I share this with you. PALS which stands for Playing And Learning to Socialise Program, (Inscript creative educational resources, 2007). is quite self explanatory in itself as it's a program designed for children aged 3 to 6 years teaching them the basic skills that are a necessity in life. Some of the skills that are taught are greeting others, identifying feelings and sharing to name a few. The program is already written out and all early childhood educators have to do is follow the program. However, while using this program earlier in the year while on prac at a local Kindergarten I tended to modify the lessons quite a lot to tailor to the students needs and wants.
The use of ICTS is also incorporated into this program with the use of DVDS and CDS, hence why I thought this would be appropriate to share.
I personally think it was an amazing program and the children were very engaged within the topics and skills that it taught the students. It was clear to see that the students also took a lot away from this program.
Please inform me on yours thoughts about the PALS program and also if you find any educational resources for an early childhood cohort that I may be able to add to my list.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). WIKIPedia. Retrieved on 7th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
Inscript creative educational resources. (2007). PALS Social Skills Program. Retrieved on 7th August, 2009, from: http://www.palsprogram.com.au/
Wikipedia. (2009). Wikipedia: About. Retrieved on 7th August, 2009, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About
Wikipedia (pronounced /ˌwiːkiˈpiːdiə/ or /ˌwɪkɨˈpiːdiə/) is a multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopedia project. (Wikipedia, 2009). I have used WIKIPedia many times before, especially for the use of finding definitions, although you need to make sure it's what your looking for. Even though there are a tight set of guidelines on what information is contributed, (Central Queensland University, 2009). there are still a few things that are published that have no relevance to the actual topic you are researching. Need to ensure the information you find is accurate and correct before utilising it.
I undertook a search in the area of Early Childhood which is what I'm specialising in. However I didn't really find many resources and those that I did find were not of a technological nature. I found many resources for outdoor use to help with gross motor programs.
Although I did not find the following program of PALS on Wikipedia I felt it was appropriate that I share this with you. PALS which stands for Playing And Learning to Socialise Program, (Inscript creative educational resources, 2007). is quite self explanatory in itself as it's a program designed for children aged 3 to 6 years teaching them the basic skills that are a necessity in life. Some of the skills that are taught are greeting others, identifying feelings and sharing to name a few. The program is already written out and all early childhood educators have to do is follow the program. However, while using this program earlier in the year while on prac at a local Kindergarten I tended to modify the lessons quite a lot to tailor to the students needs and wants.
The use of ICTS is also incorporated into this program with the use of DVDS and CDS, hence why I thought this would be appropriate to share.
I personally think it was an amazing program and the children were very engaged within the topics and skills that it taught the students. It was clear to see that the students also took a lot away from this program.
Please inform me on yours thoughts about the PALS program and also if you find any educational resources for an early childhood cohort that I may be able to add to my list.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). WIKIPedia. Retrieved on 7th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
Inscript creative educational resources. (2007). PALS Social Skills Program. Retrieved on 7th August, 2009, from: http://www.palsprogram.com.au/
Wikipedia. (2009). Wikipedia: About. Retrieved on 7th August, 2009, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About
Thursday, August 6, 2009
WebQuests
Hi bloggers,
"A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web." (Dodge, 1995). This clearly defines a webquest, however i find this difficult to explain in my own words on what exactly it is. I was first introduced and exposed to the technology of WebQuests last year at uni in a SOSE subject.
I found the whole idea of WebQuests daunting at first, however they became quite interesting and also quite fun to utilise and fiddle around with. At first it was slightly difficult to figure out but after spending a little time with the functions, I found it was quite simple to utilise and manage. As I was working with a partner too, I found it made it easier as we would go away and fiddle and come back and show each other the new things we had learnt about the program.
We completed a WebQuest around Recycling, which required the use of a TELSTAR enquiry model. As cited on the Central Queensland University website "a good WebQuest has an authentic context and problem or task. The driving question and its problem task are messy and ill-structured with no single answer or solution. Good WebQuests require small teams of students to relate to the messy, ill-structured problem task, investigate the issues, share what individual team members have learned from their individual research and apply this new knowledge to problem and create an authentic product that can then be donated back into the real world for authentic feedback. (2009). This states the effectiveness and extent to what the WebQuest tasks should involve within them. They are quite complex, the one that was created last year by myself and fellow uni student Jo, had basically all of these attributes and was a good example of a WebQuest hence receiving a high mark for that assessment piece. This shows higher-order thinking needs to be involved within this process, so the students' can actually take something away from this rich and authentic experience while working with WebQuests.
I've already provided an example of how they could be used in a classroom, this was in SOSE on a recycling unit of work which included knowledge and understanding from the Essential Learnings. After completing a few the children could even try making their own in groups possibly, to learn and understand a new technology they are utilising. However, I do believe classroom teachers could experience problems with this method of technology.
1. It can be so intricate and time consuming.
2. To be able to find and utilise the time wisely to complete a WebQuest, you need to ensure it's going to be worthy and cover all the information content that is required.
3. You need to read background information to know exactly how to create a WebQuest.
Personally, I really enjoyed working with WebQuests and thought they were marvelous. I would be happy to use over again, it was just something different yet innovative and attention capturing simultaneously. I would really like to know your opinions on WebQuests to see if your experiences with this technology were as enriching as mine.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). WebQuests. Retrieved on 6th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
Queensland Studies Authority. (2007). Studies of Society and Environment(SOSE) - Essential Learnings by the end of year5. Retrieved on 6th of August, 2009, from: http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/learning/qcar_el_sose_yr5.pdf
Webquest.org. (2007). What is a WebQuest? Retrieved on 6th August, 2009, from: http://www.webquest.org/
"A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web." (Dodge, 1995). This clearly defines a webquest, however i find this difficult to explain in my own words on what exactly it is. I was first introduced and exposed to the technology of WebQuests last year at uni in a SOSE subject.
I found the whole idea of WebQuests daunting at first, however they became quite interesting and also quite fun to utilise and fiddle around with. At first it was slightly difficult to figure out but after spending a little time with the functions, I found it was quite simple to utilise and manage. As I was working with a partner too, I found it made it easier as we would go away and fiddle and come back and show each other the new things we had learnt about the program.
We completed a WebQuest around Recycling, which required the use of a TELSTAR enquiry model. As cited on the Central Queensland University website "a good WebQuest has an authentic context and problem or task. The driving question and its problem task are messy and ill-structured with no single answer or solution. Good WebQuests require small teams of students to relate to the messy, ill-structured problem task, investigate the issues, share what individual team members have learned from their individual research and apply this new knowledge to problem and create an authentic product that can then be donated back into the real world for authentic feedback. (2009). This states the effectiveness and extent to what the WebQuest tasks should involve within them. They are quite complex, the one that was created last year by myself and fellow uni student Jo, had basically all of these attributes and was a good example of a WebQuest hence receiving a high mark for that assessment piece. This shows higher-order thinking needs to be involved within this process, so the students' can actually take something away from this rich and authentic experience while working with WebQuests.
I've already provided an example of how they could be used in a classroom, this was in SOSE on a recycling unit of work which included knowledge and understanding from the Essential Learnings. After completing a few the children could even try making their own in groups possibly, to learn and understand a new technology they are utilising. However, I do believe classroom teachers could experience problems with this method of technology.
1. It can be so intricate and time consuming.
2. To be able to find and utilise the time wisely to complete a WebQuest, you need to ensure it's going to be worthy and cover all the information content that is required.
3. You need to read background information to know exactly how to create a WebQuest.
Personally, I really enjoyed working with WebQuests and thought they were marvelous. I would be happy to use over again, it was just something different yet innovative and attention capturing simultaneously. I would really like to know your opinions on WebQuests to see if your experiences with this technology were as enriching as mine.
Cheers,
Courtney.
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). WebQuests. Retrieved on 6th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
Queensland Studies Authority. (2007). Studies of Society and Environment(SOSE) - Essential Learnings by the end of year5. Retrieved on 6th of August, 2009, from: http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/learning/qcar_el_sose_yr5.pdf
Webquest.org. (2007). What is a WebQuest? Retrieved on 6th August, 2009, from: http://www.webquest.org/
Google Earth
Hi bloggers,
The topic of this blog is Google Earth, I must say this has been one of the few technologies presented within the uni course that I have some knowledge around and have utilised before. Not only have I used Google Earth but have also used programs that are very similar. However, this was a few years ago when they did not provide the longitude and latitude of where you are currently situated. It's clear over the last few years how much more technology is constantly developing with new and improved gadgets all the time.
I remember the first time I used Google Earth was in high school, and I was like wow that's my house, but suddenly I thought if I can see my house that means everyone can. I kind of thought of this as a bit of a privacy barrier after passing my initial interest in this program. I thought a little more in-depth as to how this could cause problems for people in the real-world with stalkers etc.
However, looking at Google Earth in a different light as in different countries in the world and different towns and other iconic places and landmarks in the world. I see that this could be an effective tool to use in a mathematics lesson with topics such as mapping, latitude and longitude co-ordinates and bearings. it could also be used within SOSE - especially a geography strand. As cited at Central Queensland University, "Google Earth is a fantastic resource for teachers and students as it enables students to see images from different parts of the earth with the ability to overlay streets/roads with latitude and longitude. Students can see their own backyard and those of another country." (2009). this is very true, and I believe this could be an effective tool if used in classrooms appropriately. Teachers need to be on their toes ensuring this is used correctly and for the right purposes.
As I had already used this program before, I didn't really learn anything new from it. However, after all these years I still find it as interesting to use. i would like to learn about your experiences with Google earth so feel free to share them with me = )
Cheers,
Courtney
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). Google Earth. Retrieved on 6th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
The topic of this blog is Google Earth, I must say this has been one of the few technologies presented within the uni course that I have some knowledge around and have utilised before. Not only have I used Google Earth but have also used programs that are very similar. However, this was a few years ago when they did not provide the longitude and latitude of where you are currently situated. It's clear over the last few years how much more technology is constantly developing with new and improved gadgets all the time.
I remember the first time I used Google Earth was in high school, and I was like wow that's my house, but suddenly I thought if I can see my house that means everyone can. I kind of thought of this as a bit of a privacy barrier after passing my initial interest in this program. I thought a little more in-depth as to how this could cause problems for people in the real-world with stalkers etc.
However, looking at Google Earth in a different light as in different countries in the world and different towns and other iconic places and landmarks in the world. I see that this could be an effective tool to use in a mathematics lesson with topics such as mapping, latitude and longitude co-ordinates and bearings. it could also be used within SOSE - especially a geography strand. As cited at Central Queensland University, "Google Earth is a fantastic resource for teachers and students as it enables students to see images from different parts of the earth with the ability to overlay streets/roads with latitude and longitude. Students can see their own backyard and those of another country." (2009). this is very true, and I believe this could be an effective tool if used in classrooms appropriately. Teachers need to be on their toes ensuring this is used correctly and for the right purposes.
As I had already used this program before, I didn't really learn anything new from it. However, after all these years I still find it as interesting to use. i would like to learn about your experiences with Google earth so feel free to share them with me = )
Cheers,
Courtney
References
Central Queensland University. (2009). Google Earth. Retrieved on 6th August, 2009, from: http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=671
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