Tech Integration Lesson and Presentation

Google Earth Tours of Spanish Speaking Countries

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Purpose of Instruction

The purpose of this project is for students to become more aware of geographical, cultural, and historical aspects of Spanish speaking countries. Students will also practice and improve research skills and gain experience in using emerging technology.

Technology Incorporated

Google Earth will enrich student learning on this topic because this advanced technology offers many affordances that traditional maps do not. Not only can the learner see where the location is in relation to other places, he is able to zoom in and interactively ”walk” around the neighborhood or city, making the experience more realistic. The learner may even “enter” some buildings and view a panoramic tour of the inside as well. Because the Google Map is built with actual images, this gives the user an experience of the culture in the area. Google Earth affords the creation and recording of custom tours that visit several places on the map. I think this technology not only makes exploring several places on a map more efficient, it affords more in-depth understanding of many aspects of the locations visited.

Intended Audience

9th-12th grade Spanish 2 students- Approximately 145 students

Instructional Objectives

• ·         Students will research reputable online sources to gather information on a pre-determined Spanish speaking country.
• ·         Students will be able to point out relevant locations of interest in that country.
• ·         Students will be able to describe locations of interest in that country including any relevant historical, cultural, or geographical information.
• ·         Students will be able to describe geographical, cultural, or historical connections among the various chosen locations within that country.
• ·         Student will be able to create a narrated tour of the country using basic functions of Google Earth.
• ·         Students will be able to properly cite references used in APA format.

Scope and Sequence

11)    Research on Spanish speaking countries

·         Students will be divided into pairs and assigned a Spanish speaking country to research.

·         Students will be given suggestions for finding reputable online sources.

·         Students will use the internet to research many different aspects of their assigned Spanish speaking country. The students are encouraged to explore information on the country and find locations and activities that would be of interest to them if visiting that country. A checklist of basic required information will be given.

22)    Google Earth Introduction, tutorials, and practice

·         Students will view a series of short introductory tutorials for using basic Google Earth functions and tools. http://www.google.com/earth/learn/

·         The teacher will model techniques for using Google Earth

·         Students will work with their partners to explore Google Earth functions on their own computers with guidance from the teacher as necessary.

·         Feedback and individualized Google Earth instructions may be given throughout the project depending on each student’s needs.

33)    Google Earth custom tour

·      Students will locate at least five places, activities, etc., in their country using Google Earth and record a custom tour that highlights these points-of-interest. The tour must include recorded narration that describes each place mark, connections among locations, and why the location was chosen.

·      Students will create a list of all references cited in APA format.

44)    Presentation of recorded tours to the class

55)    Self-assessment/reflection questionnaire

Estimated Time Requirement for Learners

Approximately four (90 min) class periods

Learning Theories

My learning activities are influenced by Vygotsky who described the fundamental role of social interaction in the learning process. My learning activities are also influenced by constructivist learning theories that promote learning through meaningful, authentic, learner-centered activities.

This project is constructivist in nature. It allows students to explore Google Earth technology, search online resources, and use information of their choosing to create a unique Google Earth tour that represents their knowledge and interest of a Spanish speaking country. In keeping with Vygotsky and many other theorists that promote the social aspect of learning, this project allows students to work collaboratively to become classroom “experts” on a country and then teach their fellow students about it. In this way students are learning from each other.

Instructional Design Model

I have designed instruction based on the ADDIE model because I have found it to be logical, systematic, and thorough in analyzing and planning many different aspects that impact learning. By using aspects of the ADDIE model of instructional design I have analyzed and planned for the interests and instructional needs of my learner audience. Other important aspects of this model are that it has prompted me to create a logical scope and sequence of learning activities and to consider the affordances of all technology implemented in this project.