Google Earth

This one really goes without saying. What is not to like about a free app that can take you anywhere on earth and show you the trees and shops? Like Google Earth on your computer, this is an app you need to download, but it still requires web connection. As you will be doing this over wireless network, the most likely cause of frustration is slowness to download and refresh map pictures as you move and zoom.

One way to get past this is to have specific destinations in mind for your lesson, and test the simplest search string that will work. This means students type in the destination and search, then you can have another activity on the go while things load up.

From watching students in their own time, I can confidently say that many students simply like playing around with Google Earth. On the computers in the OLRC this often means going in to Flight Sim mode (not available on the iPad app). They also like finding their own houses and other things they know. Those who have travelled or come from other countries can use the app to tell their stories.

There are some interesting features, though not as many as on the computer based app. If you turn on "auto tilt" in the options section you can tilt the view (looking across the surface, not down) by tilting the iPad itself. There are also "layers" on which you can view some additional information. This usually takes the form of small icons that you can tap to see more information. This is far more limited than the offerings on the computer based program, but links to Panoramia (geo-tagged photos) and Wiki entries are useful.