Google Tour Builder-Mind Blown!

Adventures in technology are much more exciting than I originally thought possible!  This week's adventures truly blew my mind!  I had to incorporate some of the adventures into my teaching because I just had to share!!!

Google Earth is an amazing program that lets you drill down to visit anywhere on earth and virtually see places up close and personal!  It's a virtual globe that gives access to anyone who will download the program to see satellite pictures, street views, and even 3D views of anywhere in the world, on the moon and on Mars!  It's almost too cool to be true!  Although everyone loves to go see their own houses, the potential for this tool is huge for individuals and educators!  Download the program and go have some mind blowing fun!  CHECK IT OUT!  And, for those who would rather watch a video...

I know what you're thinking, there has to be a limit to how amazing technology can be...but, there's more.  Google Earth extended itself and created an addition to create more amazing things in the world of virtual travel:  Google Tour Builder is an absolutely wonderful addition to Google Earth. Hoping to spread the excitement I am feeling, I'm providing a link to an educator's blog with a tour of the Donner party.  It will just give you a glimpse of the potential Google Tour Builder has for educators.  Mrs. Mooney's Teaching World

To get started, think of a story you would like to tell.  Next, check out the 5 cool things to do with Google Tour Builder.  It's very user friendly and will lead you step by step to creating your own tour.  I chose to create my tour about a book I helped a survivor of the holocaust write.  This was a fun project to complete and so easy to do!

My tour takes you on the journey Stan Kijowski, a holocaust survivor traveled while running from the Nazis and Russian soldiers.  Surviving the Holocaust.  After I am finished taking classes for my Master's Degree, I plan on writing a series of books based on letters my great-great grandfather wrote to his mother when he immigrated to America in the late 1800's.  The series will be called, Feather and Ink and believe me-there will be an extensive Google Tour to accompany the books!  The journey begins as he leaves his home in Germany, takes him across the ocean, travels through the United States until he settled in Kansas.  I can't wait to create the tour and show my Mom!!!  

I hope you catch the excitement and create your own tour!!