Google Earth and sustainable development education: examples from human and physical geography

Abstract

Google Earth is a web-based virtual globe that has seen increasing use over the past five years as a teaching tool and learning resource for geography, earth and environmental science students. This paper explores some of the potential uses of Google Earth in sustainable development education, and assesses its value for staff and students. Over a two year period, different projects were devised that required undergraduate students to engage with Google Earth and reflect on its value. The projects included a final year investigation into climate change in northern Africa which was also used as a learning resource for postgraduate students, a project to assist disaster response coordination following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, and a first year exploration of development issues in a variety of locations in the global South. The findings of the research highlight the variety of uses of Google Earth in both physical and human geography, both as a teaching tool and a learning resource. It has great potential to raise awareness of places, issues and technology, to inspire investigation and learning, and enhance understanding of global issues including climate change.