Journal 8: Web 2.0 Evaluation Google Earth (NETS 1, 3, and 5)

For this assignment I referenced a website called Classroom 2.0 to follow threads on the classroom applications of GoogleEarth. In the journal response below I have explained GoogleEarth and noted what I learned from following these threads posted by teachers. I also read similar journal entries posted by other classmates and learned about other web 2.0 tools used in the classroom. In doing this assignment I engaged in a global learning community to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning (NETS 5). I also demonstrated collaboration with peers using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation (NETS 3). I have learned the GoogleEarth is a strong web 2.0 tool that can be used to explore real-world issues and to solve authentic problems using digital tools (NETS 1).


Google Earth is a free download that allows you to explore everything from a single star in the sky to a 2 foot bush on your own front lawn. Upon opening the program, you begin by navigating a virtual globe by simply moving across the earth with your mouse, zooming into specific locations, or choosing longitude and latitude coordinates or programmed tours. The possibly explorations and learning for the user are endless and the program is friendly to use too. The program allows you to fly under the ocean's surface, view images of historical earth, see the sun's shadows on earth at any chosen time, visit real high resolution imaged volcano sites, travel to Ancient Rome or explore a 360 degree panorama of Taj Mahal or the Black Desert. Contributions made by The New York Times, National Geographic, and You Tube provide information on global issues, historicall landmarks & events, and knowledge about deep sea creatures.

Google Earth is a wonderful tool to use in the classroom to support curriculum. I followed discussions on cross curricular uses of Google Earth on a Classroom 2.0 thread and learned the many ways teachers are applying this technology in the classroom. The main point I learned from following these discussions is that Google Earth can be used on many different levels and can strengthen the connections drawn between different subject areas and lesson objectives. For example, one teacher used Google Earth with his class to track, plot, graph, and write about typhoons that have hit their specific region. Students measured data, made scientific predictions, created graphical representations of history and the geological effects typhoons have on earth. In addition, they connected real life occurrences to learning. In this example, the teacher promoted learning related to math, science, history, and geology.

Also, check out realworldmath.org for great ideas on using Google Earth in real-world math activities.

Inspiration - NETS 1,2, and 3

NETS 3 - Model Digital-Age Work and Learning: (C) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

The above standard is modeled by using the software Inspiration to creatively design a graphic organizer (inspiration.com). In the Inspiration project posted below, I have branched the 5 NETS standards for Teachers and connected 2 artifacts I will use to model each standard. Using this graphic organizer will assist me in completing my portfolio through the credential program. It will allow me to brainstorm ideas and communicate the information to my peers for feedback. Inspiration could be used to communicate project outlines to students, ideas to parents, and curriculum and project ideas to colleagues. Inspiration, as a digital-age media tool, would be great for students. The program is user friendly, promotes endless creativity, and communicates information effectively.

Sample PowerPoint Presentation - Nets 2

Introduction To Nets For Students Grades K 2

View more presentations from srhoads09.

This powerpoint presentation connects ideas on lesson planning to the NETS standards for students K-2. This is one way to design digital-age learning experiences (NETS 2).

Journal 7: "Mining for Gold" (NETS 1.3. and 5)

Bigenho, C (March/April 2009). Mining for gold. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36, Retrieved March 10, 2009, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200904/

"Mining for Gold" discusses three applications of RSS feed in the classroom. They are to subscribe to student blogs, subscribe to social bookmarks, and feed content to HTML pages. Subscribing to student blogs is made simply by use of bloglines (www.bloglines.com). Each student creates their own blog (www.blogger.com) and it can be set up so that the teacher is notified every time a student posts something new and all blogs feed into one place. Subscribing to social bookmarks, such as delicious.com, can be useful in creating a "class tab" in which all learning resources and research can be made available to the entire class with a click of a bottom. Feeding content to HTML pages can be done using http://feed2js.org/ through which information specific to a lesson plan or topic can be organized and referenced in one place, such as a web page.

Question 1: What is the difference between an Internet hosted and client based aggregator?

Answer 1: An Internet hosted aggregator, such as igoogle or Google Reader, allows the user to access their feeds from any location or computer. A client based aggregator, such as Safari or Windows Live requires the user to be at the PC to access feed.

Question 2: What does the author mean by creating a "personal copy of The Daily Me"?

Answer 2: Bigenho, the author, is referring to personally designed RSS readers or aggregators. Users can choose from a world of endless possibilities to subscribe to RSS feed and can directly manage the information flow based on their needs and interests.

Journal 6: "Grow your Personal Learning Network" (NETS 1, 3, and 5)

Warlick, D (March/April 2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36, Retrieved March 10,2009, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200904/

"Grow your Personal Learning Network" is an article discussing how information and communication technologies have become dynamic tools in our social, professional, and personal networking capabilities. There are three types of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). "Personally maintained synchronous connections" include text messaging, chatting, and teleconferencing. "Personally and socially maintained semi synchronous connections" includes such tools as Facebook or twitter, in which and update or question is sent out to a community and collaboration does not need to occur in real time. "Dynamically maintained asynchronous
connections" connects us with resources and content we have determined as valuable to our own needs. RSS aggregators pull and feed requested information directly to the user as it is updated in real time.

Question 1: What are some tips to not become overwhelmed by social networking as a beginner?

Answer 1: The reading suggests to start small and organize blogs based on topic and frequency of reference. It also mentions that you do not need to read everything. Simply scanning for information most relevant and important will save time and energy. Realize that your network is large and make use of connections available through tools such as delicious.com and RSS feed.

Question 2: As a teacher, what are some good sites to have in your network (of which you have learned about this far)?

Answer 2: Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators, delicious.com, The National Archives, Epals, EdChange, Kids Click, Ning, Web 2.0 Skype, googledocs, Interactive Video Conferencing, Leading and Learning with Technology, ISTE, and many others.

Journal 5: "Collaboration in a Web 2.0 Environment" (NETS 1, 3 and 5)

Bull, Glen (April 2006). Collaboration in a Web 2.0 Environment. Learning and Leading with Technology, 7, Retrieved March 1, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=April_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&ContentFileID=2642

In this article, Glen Bull offers ideas for incorporating Web 2.0 applications in education and explains that in doing so we are encouraging students to bring skills they use outside of class into the classroom. The Web 2.0 environment is about the syndication of information and use of a RSS feed bringing directly to the user live information of interest. Bull says that the education possibilities are endless and he offers the following as as few ways for creating classroom collaboration using this technology; following multiple student blogs and postings, facilitate writing collaboration among peers, sharing of images related to a group project, and tracking news topics relevant to class subjects.

Question 1: As a teacher, how will you incorporate this web based technology in your classroom?

Answer: The opportunities are wonderful! I could ask each student to create their own class blog through which they can participate in class discussions, individual assignments, and group projects. RSS feed will be helpful to me in managing new postings because the updated information will come directly to me. The amount of time saved in doing this is a huge benefit to teachers. I will also encourage the use of googledocs for writing collaboration. This allows all students access to word processing and the application is free, user friendly, and makes collaboration simple and fun.

Question 2: What features do you currently use that are Web 2.0 based but you had no idea they were RSS feed based?

Answer 2: When we bought our new computer, I noticed there was a small menu along the side of my personal desktop. They are news feeds. You can click on them for a short synopsis and then click to open the web browser if you are interested in continuing. Until reading this article, I had no idea this type of technology was such a strong part of the online community today. I also created a gmail account and have organized my own personal igoogle page in our 422 class. It is amazing that you can personalize your search page and arrange for information to be sent to you live every minute of the day. What will be next?