digital animations

while my reintroduction to google earth utterly fascinating, i found that this aspect of the course so far has been the most in line with the things i have been using technology for so far.

animations and digital interactive activities are terrific for accentuating the concepts we explain in class, as enrichment activities, as introductory works, or as "how to" lessons prior to hands on lab activities. in that regard they seem to be mostly useful as the old things in a new way concept, but that isn't bad, and in my opinion th new way in this regard is far superior.

the one big advantage i find to google earth, is that with the actual locations mapped out, it can really create a sense of connection to the concepts for the students.

i think the next question to ask is how can we make the use of this animations more interactive, more web 2.0 so to speak.

perhaps having the students search them out as part of an introduction or ocnlcusion tot he lesson, and write what they are showing and what the strengths and weaknesses are.