Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Explore the World

If you have not yet checked out Google Earth, it is well worth the look and you will find more there than simply a tour of the planet. (Google Earth needs to be downloaded to use, but is quick and easy.) Much has been added to Google Earth since it was first created, including an Atlas of the changing environment, Global awareness: crisis in Dafur, views of 3D buildings, and Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee blog. There are numerous ways in which Google Earth can be used in schools, from the basics of geography, to tracking the global economy, population and growth of countries.
Microsoft also has its own version of our Earth online called Microsoft Virtual Earth. The strength of Virtual Earth is that the view can be changed from the front page to provide a map view, aerial or a hybrid of the two. Virtual Earth has also just launched a city 3D version that is interesting and a perfect tool to use before your travels.
Both tools show how our world is getting smaller and how we can literally go anywhere with a click of the mouse. Enjoy exploring!

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