November 28, 2009
8-A-1 Web Applications
I went into Google for educators and found Sketchup, a free download with many of the same features as a CAD program. Just recently my sculpture class was working in groups making 3D balloons out of trash bags. Some of the students have little trouble visualizing the change from flat trash bag (no air) to 3D construction (with air), but one of the groups was having a tremendous amount of trouble making the conversion. I could have used this program to help them “see” in 3D. This program would have allowed them to draw the project and view the picture from every angle so they could better plan the shapes needed to cut out of the trash bags and create their balloons.
This program would be great for many of the vocational classes in a high school. Tech, design, interior design, and art are just of few classes a teacher could seamlessly incorporate Sketchup. I haven’t explored its application to Google earth, but the program’s description mentions their ease of use together.
jennhund said,
November 28, 2009 at 2:14 PM
This sounds like an application that should be in every art class. It would be great for students to have this help them out. I hope you do get a chance to use this with google earth, and I would love to hear how they work together. It’s always great to hear how technology is working for others! Cool app.
lcannon31 said,
November 28, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Wow what a cool resource. I am not very artistic or for that matter good at designing things. This resource seem very easy to use and I feel it could be very useful in the classroom. Just as you said, this is a great resource for vocational classes and design classes. Its amazing how much Google has changed our lives. It has everything!!!
carhan said,
November 29, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Amy,
Google Sketchup is an amazing resource. Students can build an entire city using this application. You were right on when you said, “Tech, design, interior design, and art are just of few classes a teacher could seamlessly incorporate Sketchup.” Google’s applications for education allow school districts to create accounts for students without email accounts and manage accounts by selecting what students have access to. My school district is working on developing Google Apps membership (which is FREE) and implement its tools by mid-year.
I love your ideas!!! Thanks for sharing!
Carolyn