Tech in Art
GOOGLE EARTH
There are many Google tools that can be applied for the art room. The tool I chose to dive into is Google Earth. I remember when I was younger and Google Earth had just come out, my dad had us huddle around the computer to "travel around the world". It was such a neat experience being able to see cities and landscapes just from our home.
What we'll cover today:- Pros and cons of using Google Earth for educators.
- Voyager: Learn about artists and their journeys around the globe.
- Feeling Lucky: See a variety of landscapes and cityscapes around the globe.
- Projects: Save locations as Projects for quick access.
Pros and Cons of using Google Earth for EducatorsPros:- Free
- Available on multiple devices
- Extremely detailed
- Able to "visit" landmarks and buildings
- Available in many languages
Cons:- Requires internet access
- Not all areas are covered- some are restricted
- Less developed countries are poorly presented on maps
- Low resolution in some areas
Voyager: Learn about artists and their journeys around the globe...Voyager is a tool in Google Earth to access high-quality educational material about nature, cultures, sports, history, arts, travel, and more.
As an art teacher, I figured this would be an amazing way to learn about artists; where they're from, where their art has been showcased, and how their art interacts with its landscapeHere is an example following the artist Anish Kapoor. Beginning in India and going to London, Chicago (he is the creator of Could Gate aka "the Bean" in downtown Chicago) and other cities, students can get a better sense of an artist's influence. Students can have a better understanding of where artists are from and how their surroundings effected their work.

See a variety of landscapes and cityscapes around the globe...Below is an example that I traveled to by clicking the "I'm feeling lucky" button. It randomly selects a location (the next time I clicked it I went to a river in Poland...) It gives a mini description that if you wanted to explore further. This can be used in a variety of ways; Students can draw a version of the location, they can try to find an artist that is from that area, they can try to find artwork inspired by that location, etc. The list is endless.
Save locations as Projects for quick access...If you're wanting to saver time in class or have specific locations in mind, it's easy to save locations by "Add to project" button. You'll see this button on the righthand side under the short descriptions of the location or the fourth icon on the left sidebar. This tool is great for students ot also save locations for future reference as well.
For more information and resources on how to use Google Earth in the classroom, click the links below:
- Pros and cons of using Google Earth for educators.
- Voyager: Learn about artists and their journeys around the globe.
- Feeling Lucky: See a variety of landscapes and cityscapes around the globe.
- Projects: Save locations as Projects for quick access.
Pros and Cons of using Google Earth for Educators
Pros:
- Free
- Available on multiple devices
- Extremely detailed
- Able to "visit" landmarks and buildings
- Available in many languages
Cons:
- Requires internet access
- Not all areas are covered- some are restricted
- Less developed countries are poorly presented on maps
- Low resolution in some areas
Voyager: Learn about artists and their journeys around the globe...
Voyager is a tool in Google Earth to access high-quality educational material about nature, cultures, sports, history, arts, travel, and more.
As an art teacher, I figured this would be an amazing way to learn about artists; where they're from, where their art has been showcased, and how their art interacts with its landscape
Here is an example following the artist Anish Kapoor. Beginning in India and going to London, Chicago (he is the creator of Could Gate aka "the Bean" in downtown Chicago) and other cities, students can get a better sense of an artist's influence. Students can have a better understanding of where artists are from and how their surroundings effected their work.

See a variety of landscapes and cityscapes around the globe...
Below is an example that I traveled to by clicking the "I'm feeling lucky" button. It randomly selects a location (the next time I clicked it I went to a river in Poland...) It gives a mini description that if you wanted to explore further. This can be used in a variety of ways; Students can draw a version of the location, they can try to find an artist that is from that area, they can try to find artwork inspired by that location, etc. The list is endless.
Save locations as Projects for quick access...
If you're wanting to saver time in class or have specific locations in mind, it's easy to save locations by "Add to project" button. You'll see this button on the righthand side under the short descriptions of the location or the fourth icon on the left sidebar. This tool is great for students ot also save locations for future reference as well.
For more information and resources on how to use Google Earth in the classroom, click the links below:
You sound like such an exciting art teacher! I am not artistic in any way, but I appreciate your enthusiasm and how you see so many ways this tool can be used to enhance your teaching. From your description of Google Earth, I can clearly see how this tool can be used effectively in other subject areas as well. Being able to save locations can help teachers and students go back to places they found and want to explore more. Obviously geography is a great use, as well as using the tool for Lit Trips - following characters through a story. Your thoughts for using Google Earth for art class have helped me to think in other areas as well. Thanks for your ideas.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debby for your blog! I love your ideas on how to implement Google Maps in Art class. Students can see how art is a real part of city architecture or a landscape. There is something highly exciting to be able to virtually visit places that you might never have a chance to see with your own eyes, and it makes it more memorable. I am sure students will benefit from such a learning experience!
ReplyDeleteThis was awesome! I love all of the visuals. You did a great job of contrasting and giving the objective of the blog. It gives a good perspective on how to implement this feature in the classroom. It helps see what would work and what ideas would not. This was a well thought out project. I am sure your students would enjoy it.
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