Using NASA World Wind
You can always make use of this amazing program in your geology or geography class. You will have a great experience using it as your lecture tool. If you have already used NASA World Wind then you can give some general tips on how to use NASA World Wind to those who are using this software for the first time.
An effective and simple way to use this software is to run it as visualization tool in order to compliment traditional discussions or lectures. With the help of a machine and projector, you can easily bring this software, into your classroom. Students will be amazed to see images of Earth provided by NASA World Wind. As a teacher, you can always ask questions to students about the images. You can then use the imagery to clear their doubts if any.
You should learn some tips on using this software, so that you can make your lecture more interesting and interactive. If you have decided to use NASA World Wind in your classroom then you should first think on what you are going to show with World Wind. Also think about which questions you will ask to the class by looking at the images.
Ensure that you know how to locate different places that you wish to show using World Wind. If the places are difficult to locate, you can always create a web page, power point or a word document that has hyperlinks directing to those locations. In NASA World, there is a place finder for locating places but ensure that you know to use it before going to the class.
You should open the software application a few minutes before the class actually starts. By doing this, you don't have to wait for the software to load. This will keep the momentum of your class lecture going. You should be aware of one thing that if the software goes into screen saver mode, it probably may give rise to an error in NASA World Wind. In such a case you will have to restart the software program.
The software can be very effective if you project it on a smart board or a white board. This will allow you to write verbal explanations or definitions on blackboard to facilitate note taking. Do not move fast especially in rotating around a particular point as this can definitely disorient students. You should carefully listen to student’s answers to comments or questions. A big advantage of NASA World Wind is that it gives a chance to students to explore the information that you are giving in your class.
Therefore, in case you are teaching your students the erosion, deposition, and transportation of sediments by different rivers then students can have a better understanding of these processes by using NASA World Wind. With this software, you can illustrate several things more elaborately to your students. You can introduce them; process of flooding and how flooding can produce natural levees. You can also show the impact of artificial leaves when used to prevent flooding.
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