Question #1
"What worthwhile skills were learned and/or applied by the student in order to successfully create this project?
- The student used a variety of skills in order to create the complex "15 poets" presentation. First of which included basic computer knowledge. Basic computer knowledge includes the ability to type, use a mouse, search for material, save items, insert pictures etc. The information provided regarding the poets showed that the student has developed appropriate research skills. It is critical the student provided the most accurate and detailed information because it shows they are able to determine reliable from unreliable sources, as well as, they are learning the appropriate information because it could potentially appear on a SOL or another measure of comprehension. The student also used Google Earth as both an interesting and interactive way of presenting where each poet was from and how that particular location influenced them individually as writers, which I truly enjoyed. Google Earth can be extremely complex and from the presentation it is clear that the student took a significant amount of time to learn the specific tools and create the project. This was significant because it kept the attention of the viewer (me) and allowed me to learn new information I previously did not know. The student went above and beyond by providing personal audio recordings of the poems, along with links providing additional information about the poets, which I thought was a great touch. Most importantly, in order to create this the spectacular presentation, the student needed effective critical thinking and creativity skills. Without critical thinking, creativity, and the other various skills this interactive presentation would not have been possible.
Question #2
"Suppose the student was in a class with a teacher who did not know anything about Google Earth. And suppose this teacher assigned the student the same type of project: "Write a report that addresses how historical and social references are made in the poetry of 15 different poets, and discuss if geographical location influenced the imagery used in their poems." How might this project be different for the student, and how might Google Earth make the entire process better (or worse) for the student?"
- I feel if the situation was reversed and the teacher was unaccustomed to using Google Earth, then the student would had more difficulty with the assignment. I feel they would have had more difficulty because they would have been hesitant to use the software and unaware of the benefits it would have had to their learning. I also feel that it would have been more difficult for the students to make connections to understanding how the geographical location influenced the imagery seen in each of the poems. I personally am a learner that benefits from interactive visual learning and by applying the 3D location as well as the poem, I was able to make connections between the both. I feel that if the student did not use Google Earth, then this would have been a tedious and boring project both to complete and present. I personally feel there are no negative consequences for using Google Earth. If any, the student may experience some frustration when first using the application, however that would subside after gaining additional experience with the program. Through using Google Earth the student is able to gain experience with various learning tools, as well as, understand the importance and gain experience with technology. By the teacher demonstrating zero knowledge to Google Earth it demonstrates their lack of ability to introduce new technologies into the classroom and inability to adapt as educators. I feel that using technologies such as Google Earth shows your ability to adapt and provide students with a technology rich learning environment. Google Earth allows students to travel and learn while still remaining physically within the classroom.