Taking Google Earth to school
by Google Earth Blog on Apr.14, 2010, under 3D Models, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, California, Denmark, England, Germany, Google Earth News, Google Earth Tips, Google Sky, Google maps, Hawaii, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Natural Landmarks, Netherlands, Sightseeing, Street Views, USA
Some high schools in Israel are adding Google Earth to their geography exams. Not only will students be allowed to use it instead of a traditional atlas, but parts of the exam will require the use of Earth to successfully complete the test.
According to the head of the Education Ministry Supervisors Department, Dalia Fanning, "Incorporating Google Earth in the final allows students to use interactive maps, observe geological layers and computer animation. It allows students to 'fly' over the area and 'land' according to the test's requirements."
I've not been able to find much information outside of this single article, but it's certainly interesting. What do you think? Is it a valuable step forward to help students learn to use software such as Google Earth? Or should testing force them to use a standard atlas in order to better grasp the basic concepts?