Thing 21

I had no idea that Google had so many tools and products! I explored several: Google Earth, Google Maps, iGoogle, and Google alerts. I tried to explore the Notebook because I thought that would be very useful, but it is not allowing new users to sign up. It is only continuing with current users.

I fed my Twilight appetite on Google Earth and Maps and located Forks, Port Angeles, and La Push - for my daughter of course. : ) I could see these tools being great for Social Studies/Geography lessons. I could spend hours looking up locations and taking the tours that are available. Teachers could create their own tours to keep the students focused, too.

I also used my Google alerts to get Twilight news. There are some cool fan made trailers for New Moon that I would never have seen without the alert. Fun! The alerts could be used in the classroom in a variety of ways such as following current events or getting info on a specific topic (astronomy, natural disasters, political leaders, etc.)

The iGoogle page is quite useful since it is customized to my wants and needs. I have local and national news, weather, movies, jokes, email, Sudoku, and more. I like having it all in one location and I will continue to use this application regularly.

One feature I would like to explore more is Google SketchUp. I'm not sure exactly what I would use it for, but it looks like a lot of fun. I'm going to introduce my 13 year old to it. I think he'd have a ball with it!