Prior use of Google Earth by undergraduate Geography students

Abstract

Google Earth is a web-based virtual globe, launched in 2005, that offers signifi cant potential as a teaching tool and a learning resource for undergraduate geography, earth and environmental science students, as well as other disciplines. In 2008, 56 undergraduate geography students were surveyed regarding their prior use of Google Earth to inform the delivery of classes that used Google Earth. Surprisingly, 25% of students had not previously used Google Earth and, amongst those that had, only 23% had used it in academic study, and only 11% had used it in a taught class. Differences between fi rst and fi nal year students were evident, with 40% of fi rst year, but only 18% of fi nal year, students having used Google Earth previously for academic study, possibly refl ecting time since the launch, and the differential use of Google Earth in schools, colleges and university. Although the situation is likely to change rapidly, tutors may not assume all students have used Google Earth prior to university, and those that have may not have used it in academic study, and even less likely in a taught class.

A Study on the Spatial Abilities of Prospective Social Studies Teachers: A Mixed Method Research

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Google Earth and sustainable development education: examples from human and physical geography

“…Screen shot taken from Google Earth of eastern margins of Nouakchott, illustrating sustainable planting regimes, with inset diagram of dune processes. Source Google Earth (2010) andHaslett (2008).…”