In this one-week session, you will learn more about Google as an online entity and gain knowledge and exposure to three of its many free and easy-to-use applications including: Book Search, Docs, and Earth.
- You will view online tutorials of how these applications work.
- You will discover how teachers and students are using these applications in their classrooms and beyond.
- You will explore ways to integrate these emerging technologies into your curriculum and reach your learning objectives.
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO GOOGLE AND ITS SUITE OF APPLICATIONS
In this module we will explore the Google menu of services. We will also discuss what makes a good project integrating various tools provided by Google. This module covers:
Introduction to Google
Creation of a Google account
A brief look at various Google applications, including those in “Even More”
A look at exemplar Google Earth projects such as Google Lit Trips
An exploration into Google Docs for use as a writing tool
Pre-planning activity for a multimedia Geo project that addresses standards-based content
Book: Welcome to Google
Assignment: Project Plan Published Through Google Docs
Discussion: Google Tools as Learning Objects
MODULE 2: GOOGLE MAPS AND GOOGLE EARTH
In this module we will explore the different tools of Google Maps and Google Earth. Emphasis will be put into understanding how to create a map in Google Maps and how to create a tour in Google Earth. This module covers:
Comparison and relationship of Google Maps and Google Earth
Access and navigation in Google Maps
Creation of an interactive map in the My Maps feature of Google Maps
Access and navigation in Google Earth
Creation of an interactive tour in Google Earth
Development of the course project
Book: A Compass for Navigation and Interaction
Assignment: Draft KMZ File
Discussion: Challenges with Google Earth and Google Maps
MODULE 3: FINDING AND CREATING RESOURCES WITH GOOGLE TOOLS
In this module we will explore Google Search and how to best customize a Search using the Google account you created. These tools will enhance current lessons within the online content course you are developing. This module covers:
Use of Advanced Search to localize your search
Use of search operators in the Google Search engine for specific content searches (e.g. filetype:, site:, link:, etc.)
Creation of a Custom Search engine to embed into an online course
Exploration of Google News for current and archived content
Use of Google Reader to subscribe to content from RSS feeds like Google News
Use of Google Books and Google Scholar to locate and access digital copies of books and academic journals
Exploration of the Geo Search in Google Maps and Google Earth
Integration of research gathered into culminating course project
Book: Google Research Tools
Assignment: Google Custom Search Engine
MODULE 4: ADDING FREE EXCURSIONS TO YOUR GOOGLE TOURS
In this module, tools and techniques for adding multimedia content to a Google Map or Google Earth Tour will be introduced. This module covers:
Design of Google Map or Google Earth content that comes 'alive'
Import of sound, images, and video into a project
The process of uploading images to and embedding images from Picasa
Upload of final projects to the online course shell
Share features and options of Google Maps and Google Earth Tours
Introduction to Google Sky
Brief introduction to Sketchup
Presentation of final project
Book: Adding More to My Maps and Google Earth Tours
Resources
Multimedia
- Comic Book: The Google Suite by Brooke Nichols and Jonathan Sallison
- Video: MLB Stadiums (American League)
- Video: MLB Stadiums (National League)
