Google Earth, 3D Earth viewer 3D Earth viewer
Autonomous learning
Description: Google Earth is a virtual globe and mapping software that allows users to explore the Earth's surface using satellite imagery, aerial photography, and 3D terrain data. Users can navigate and explore various locations on Earth by zooming in and out, tilting the view, and panning across the map. They can also use features like Street View to explore ground-level imagery and historical imagery to view past satellite images of specific locations. It serves multiple purposes, including geographic exploration, environmental studies, urban planning, and historical research. While it does not specifically target linguistic skills, it can support language learning through the exploration of geographic features, cultural landmarks, and historical sites. Google Earth was developed by Google LLC. Google Earth is free to use and not open-source. While users can access basic features of Google Earth without signing up or having an account, signing in with a Google account allows access to additional features and personalized settings.
Evaluation: Google Earth can be a valuable tool for classroom usage since it lends itself to several uses, among which following travel itineraries already available on the platform. Users can browse them by category (Nature, Culture, History, and more) and embark on virtual travels. Therefore, teachers can prepare a class around one of those topics and then use Google Earth to visit those places. This can help students get more engaged with the topic and immerse themselves in the desired space. Moreover, users can create new maps themselves. In this regard, another possibility would be to ask students to create a map on some topic of interest and deliver a presentation. Finally, Google Earth also offers the option to randomly select a destination, which can be a fun way to explore new places and foster intercultural skills through virtual voyages. Google Earth is available both as a browser and a desktop version. Basic IT skills are required for its use.
Cost: Free without registration
Type Of Interaction:
Group/pair work - classmates,
Individual work,
Skills:
Intercultural,
Content:
Website/other users supply,
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency 
Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: Medium
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: All of Google’s languages, i.e over 100 languages.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : Low. Google is well known for using user data for advertising and marketing purposes, but it does offer a high degree of security for data. In fact, Google Earth’s introduction raised a lot of privacy concerns since it displays people’s houses and even faces, sometimes without blurring, and without explicitly asking for consent. Google Earth’s privacy policy does not state compliance with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes.
Any other relevant information:
- Installation required?: Just for the desktop version; available also in browser version.
- Compatibility/ Operating System: Windows / Mac / Linux
- Other technical requirements: No