Utilizing enhanced podcasts and Google Earth to create Earth science virtual tours

Emerging technologies can be effectively integrated into introductory-level general education Earth science courses. The new and innovative tools can engage students in learning science content while developing a technological skill set. One of the overarching goals established for a general education Environment Earth course was to provide students the opportunity to use technology for the creation of multimedia materials to be shared with the university and greater community.

One project required students to create an enhanced podcast and virtual tour in Google Earth to document Pennsylvania biodiversity at a local state park. The park has a five-mile trail with numbered trees, and park visitors are to guess the tree species while walking/running along the trail. However, the answer key to the tree identification is in the park office. The students furthered the educational mission of the park by creating an audio file with photos about each tree species to engage park visitors in the local environment. For people unable to travel to the park, GPS coordinates were gathered on each tree and placed in Google Earth with the enhanced podcasts to extend the park's educational outreach through the internet.

Another project required students to use photos and iPods equipped with microphones to electronically document and archive the 2007 Solar Decathlon competition in Google Earth. Students visited the twenty houses in the competition to learn about the innovative solar technologies. In addition to collecting GPS coordinates of the homes and taking photos, students conducted interviews with the builders of the homes with iPods. All material was complied and placed online through a Google Earth file.

The integration of technology in an Earth science course was very positively received. Students reported a strong desire to use technology to share their work and wish to create and showcase future projects in future courses.