Google Earth Again

Over the last semester I have been touting the use of Google Earth as a tool to help visually layout the settings of literature. The use of Google Earth for current events can help the students understand the stories in ways that a verbal rundown could not cover. This has been a topic that I have been covering, but I have only seen it in action once. While browsing the internet recently I came across a news show which uses it. On the Rachel Maddow Show she used the program to track the latest pirate hostage situation off the coast of Somalia. It was great to see the detail of the shipping lane, boat locations, prior pirate attacks, and other graphics. Once again Google Earth displays itself as a practical visual tool which reinforces geographical knowledge.