Left Lane Ends

I have been using Netvibes as my aggregator since it came available, and have loved it since day one. However, when Google rolled out iGoogle, I figured it required a look. So, I looked. Briefly.

First, you may or may not recall this post of mine about Google. Despite my continued wariness about their data mining, I still use them. But, I’m also still wary. Just be sure that you are aware of all the data they are collecting about you as you surf, read and aggregate.

Second, Netvibes’ preview interface beats iGoogle hands down. I love being able to read as little or as much as I want in a variety of different ways (mouse over, pop up, etc). Additionally, they just released an iPhone geared site. Very nice.

So, explore, compare, do as you please… I’ll be sticking with Netvibes for now. Until they get bought by Google, that is.

Pretty cool stuff, and you can integrate it with Google Earth! Take a few minutes (thats all it takes) to build your own 3D house - http://sketchup.google.com/

You just may get hooked… now, for the curriculum connections!

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Oh, man - this thing is SO cool! You have a tape measure, protractor, plane selector. Math people are gonna drool, and there are all kinds of other curriculum possibilities. Be sure to go through the 3 walk-through tutorials. I NEVER thought I would enjoy 3D design, but this software is really smart!!!

Ok, I’ve gotta go finish the 3rd tutorial now!

Dean Shareski writes about geography lesson ideas on his blog and says:

So there’s the challenge. Get your kids to dig into these tools and their value and post the findings.

Here’s one…Sam Farsaii, Director of Instructional Technology for Irving ISD, presented a way to use Google Earth the other day. Google Earth has a built in measurment tool. Why not locate a local landmark and compare its length/size/area to another well known landmark - a sphinx, for instance. Not only do students compare the two objects, but they almost literally fly around the world and develop concepts about global locations, continents and worldly perspective as they do so. This one little tool has so many great applications and is only a slice of the limitless application of Google Earth.

…just don’t tell your networking department about it’s constant bandwith consumption…

Oh, and if anyone can find a Left Lane Ends sign - mark it and send me the latitude/longitude so I can pull it up. People have found fly cars - someone’s GOT to be looknig for where the left lane ends…