Google Tour Builder ... it has potential

This week I was introduced to Google Tour Builder.

I had never used this tool before, but it seems to be an extension of Google Earth. Using the images and map features we are accustomed to with Google Earth, Google Tour Builder takes the ability to visit anywhere on Earth and merges it with the ability to use those images to create a story.

I am not certain how to incorporate this as a learning tool into my high school chemistry classroom; for my attempt to use this tool, I created a tour of science stops in Wichita.

While I am having difficulty developing a chemistry related use of this tool, I see lots of applications for humanities and social studies teachers. If you teach in one of these disciplines, you should really look into utilizing this gem of a tool in your classroom. If you are a science teacher and have an awesome application using this Google tool, please share it with me; I am always open to new ideas!

Here's what I see as the "easy uses" of Google Tour Builder:

• Utilizing images from Google Maps, the opportunity for storytelling using Google Earth images is easy to do. Click here to learn more about storytelling using Google Tour Builder.
• Want to use your travels as a learning opportunity, incorporating images, photos, and videos? Use Google Tour Builder as in this example, created a video journal uniting maps, images, and her story.
• Do you volunteer or work for a charity or non-profit group and want to share the group's story of service? Use Google Tour Builder as in this example, highlighting specific areas of service and describing the work done.
• Here is a video that not only gives you a "down and dirty" description of how to set up a Google Tour, but demonstrates how to use this as part of a history project:

Does this sound like something you could use in your classroom? Here's an easy to follow tutorial to set up a Google Tour:



I will have to give this some thought to see if there is a relevant application within my own classroom. However, if I were a history or geography teacher ... Google Tour Builder would be a "must use" technology tool.