Tour-Lympics

    Say, did you hear about the Olympic ski team from the United States?

    No, what?

    Well, they started out well, but then it all went downhill.

    Ohhh, come on! Another pun! Jeez. Alright, answer this riddle.

    Ok, I'm game.

    What has hands but can't clap? 

    While you're thinking, let's compare Google Earth with Google Tour Builder. 

    Late in 2017, Google Earth moved to an online set up which gave access to more computers, especially Chromebooks, and users than ever before. In addition, the new version has Voyages where the user can choose an adventure that has already been designed for them. 

    Here's a tour of the "Wonders of the Ancient and Modern World."

 The first one is Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan.

     When you click to go to the next one, it spins the globe around and zooms you in to the next target: archeological areas of Pompei. If you'd like a closer view, simply grab the person figure and drop them on the map.

    Now, you're viewing Google's Street View. Most of these images are sent in by everyday users who are viewing and posting about the locations.

In addition to these archeological trips, users can use the site Google Lit Trips to plan a Google Earth tour with a class as they read a book.  

    What a fantastic way to enjoy a book! Here's an article with more ways to use Google Earth in the classroom. 

    Say, did you figure out that riddle?

    Well....almost.

    It's ok, we'll continue with Google Tour Builder.

    Google Tour Builder is a new feature from Google Earth that allows users to create their own tours with images, videos, and text they add in. You can change the view of how people are dropped in your locations (overhead, 3D, or street view), your pathway color, and select locations. Originally started as a way for veterans to share their military experiences with their families, Google has expanded it so that anyone with a Google account can create a story/tour.









    Here's one Lauren W. Ritterbush created about the Kansas River. She's added 27 locations to visit. One of the neatest aspects is that she has recordings of the native pronunciation. 

This is a short video on using Google Tour Builder in the classroom.

    Finally, here's my Google Tour of the locations in the book Night by Elie Wiesel. Please be aware that this tour is not for the faint of heart as there are disturbing images of the Holocaust. In addition, there are questions that can only be answered by reading the book.

 An overview of the Tour.

The first stop, Elie Wiesel's house.

 The second stop, Auschwitz.

    Personally, I prefer Google Tour Builder over Google Earth because I can add specific details and questions for my classes as they click through the tour.

    Oh! I got it!

    So???

    A clock!!!

    Well now, those afterschool lessons are really paying off, aren't they?