Google: Increase And Diversify Earth Usage in the Classroom

Developed research backed strategy, content creation, and distribution plan for Google Earth Education, with a focus on increasing access to all communities regardless of technological literacy. .

The Task.

Google asked us to help shift educators’ perspectives to show Google Earth can be helpful for subject matters beyond geography, and that it can be used for all types of students and educators in various types of classrooms. Along these lines, they sought to increase awareness and usage in classrooms on a daily basis. To tackle this proble,, we took a three phase approach:

1) Strategy and Research

We analyzed raw qualitative and quantitative data directly from teachers to determine the most important components of effective lesson plans.  We then created beta lesson plan templates and collaborated with a curated teacher group to test the templates at two “hackathons.” The teachers’ feedback on the templates lead to updates and content improvements to reach Google’s goals.

2) Creation

Armed with our data, we incorporated the research and feedback into an instructional framework by creating and publishing 46 lesson plans and templates to empower teachers to utilize Google Earth in their planning. Our cross department resources demonstrated that Google Earth can be used for daily instruction, no matter the subject, classroom size, or geography.

3) Distribution and Partnership Facilitation

Once our beta-tested teachers approved our templates, we worked with them to share these resources with teachers nationwide. From creating a detailed strategy and distribution plan to facilitating partnerships, our distribution approach led to Earth reaching 7M+ people.

The Results.

Lesson plans are now available on Google Earth Education’s website.

Lesson plans were uploaded to 3 leading online communities (TES, Share My Lesson, Adobe Education Exchange, total reach 7M+) and are currently being accessed by the public.