10/16: Explore the world online

Recording:  

Did you miss the class?  Want to hear the recording?  Click here to view the Tuesday lesson.

Agenda:

Questions from last week (Web Browsers)

Reminder about Canvas: NOTE lots of posts to see, including taking a screenshot on your PC or Mac computer! 

Semester review:  Short online game on Kahoot to see what we have learned

Presentation:  

Homework:

Kahoot activity

We played a semester review game on an app called Kahoot. 

If you missed it, you can still  play.

Click here to play the game.

Enter a nickname to get started.  

Look at the question.  You have 20 seconds to respond.

Have fun!

Exploring the world online

We live in a diverse and interesting world.  And being curious about the world is natural, as well as stimulating for the brain.  However, actually getting to these places may not be possible.  The good news is that we can explore the world without leaving our home.  In this class, we will look at a variety of resources that allow you to visit the world without leaving your chair.

This lesson will include:

·         Using a maps program to navigate

·         Setting up your navigation in your car either with existing technology or recommended tools

·         Discovering places using Google Earth

·         Finding Virtual Museums to visit without leaving home

·         Resources to find diverse recipes from around the world

·         Interactive games and activities to learn about different cultures

·         Free online classes to increase your understanding of other countries and cultures

Navigating by car

Using a maps program to navigate

Using a maps app (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) is straightforward.  To use them, you will

1.  Open the maps program on your device

2.  Enter the destination in the search bar

3.  Click on the directions button

4.  Choose your mode (car, walking, ride sharing, public transit)

5.  Include any restrictions (tolls, traffic)

6.  Follow directions provided

Read more about using Apple Maps: How to use Apple Maps (appleinsider.com)

Read more about using Google Maps: Use navigation in the Google Maps app - Android - Google Maps Help

Apple Maps Navigation

Enter destination

Include your location, click Go to use route suggested

Turn by turn instructions; click on the speaker to turn off voice instructions

Share ETA:

The newest iPhone update includes this easy way to share your ETA.  You can choose a recent contact or select someone else.  

Google Maps navigation

Enter destination.  Click directions to see or start to begin.  Scroll right to see more options (label, share, download offline map)

Choices include current road conditions and best route via gas.  Also allows for other types of navigation (public transportation, walking, ride sharing). Click start.

Directions.

Eyeglass:  Search nearby (see screen on right,top)

Speaker:  currently off

Compass:  set for North

Chat box:  add report (see screen on right, bottom)

Top box:  What you see when you click on eyeglass while driving

Bottom box:  You can report hazards by clicking here

Using the maps app in your car

If you have a newer car, you probably have an infotainment system set up already.  To use your phone’s map (as well as a hands-free way to control messaging, phone calls, music and more) you will plug your phone into the cable provided (or connect with Bluetooth).  You may have to have your car on, and make sure that you are signed into your phone before connecting it. 

Your infotainment system may be set up for Android Auto or for Apple CarPlay.  IF this is the case, you can only use an iPhone with Apple CarPlay and an Android phone with Android Auto.  However, some of these are set up for both.  Check your car’s information to see.

Once connected, you can tap on the map icon (Apple or Google).  You can speak your destination or use your phone to set it.

If your car does not have a built-in infotainment system, there are options.

Built in:  You can invest some money and install an in-dash digital media receiver.  You can buy one for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.  One example is the Alpine devices offered through Best Buy.   Prices range from $300 to $500 and include installation.  Make sure that this device is compatible for your car.  (You can fill in the specs prior to searching).

Google Earth

Google Earth is a geographic information system (GIS) which enables users to create, store, view and interact with data relating to location.  It can be used as a desktop app, which is downloaded to your device.  Or you can view it in a browser.  Google is no longer updating the desktop app, so viewing in a browser is recommended.   We will use our computer to find the Louvre and will learn tools on the program to get a better look at the area.  Here is the process we will follow:

Access Google Earth: Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari). In the address bar, type in https://www.google.com/earth/ and press Enter or Return on your keyboard.  Google Earth

Launch Google Earth: On the Google Earth homepage, click on the button labeled "Launch Earth" or "Launch Google Earth."

Search for a Location: Once Google Earth has loaded, you'll see a search bar on the left side of the screen. Click on the search bar and type "Louvre Museum, Paris" and press Enter or Return on your keyboard.

Learn about the Louvre:  In the small window on the right, you can view different scenes from the Louvre.

Explore the Location: Google Earth will zoom in on the Louvre Museum in Paris. You can explore the area by:

·         Zooming In/Out: Use the "+" and "-" buttons on the right side of the screen or scroll with your mouse.

·         Rotating: Click and drag your mouse to rotate the view.

·         Panning: Click and drag using the right mouse button or two fingers (on a touchpad) to move around the area.

View in Street View: If you want a street-level view, find and click on the little yellow "Pegman" icon located on the bottom right of the screen.  Drag and drop the "Pegman" onto a blue line or dot on the map near the Louvre. You'll be taken to a street-level view where you can virtually "walk" around and explore.

Exit Street View: If you're in Street View and want to go back to the aerial view, click on the arrow or "Back to Map" button located on the top left corner of the screen.

Exit Google Earth: When you're done exploring, simply close the browser tab or window to exit Google Earth.


Initial screen.  You can create a project to be saved in drive, or just explore.

To explore, type in a location

You will see the location as well as cards which highlight some of the points of interest

Virtual museum tours:

Louvre Online tours - Enjoy the Louvre at home!

Smithsonian Virtual Tour | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (si.edu)

More:  For a variety of tours as well as other online activities, visit the Google Arts & Culture site Google Arts & Culture


Lourve above and right

National Museum of Natural History

Google Arts and Culture

Cooking around the world:

If you are exploring the world, you may want to do it one dish at a time!  The website Global Travel Adventure lets you choose a region anywhere in the world and create an authentic recipe from that area.  To begin with, go to:  Global Table Adventure | Bringing the World to your Kitchen.  Besides selecting a region and finding a recipe there, you can also break it down into courses, lifestyle (potluck, grilling, vegan) or food type.  The website needs a little updating, but the recipes are great and I love the idea.  Other sites offering global recipes include International Cuisine (International Recipes, Travel, & Culinary Adventures - International Cuisine) or the International recipes section of the Cooking Channel (Best International Recipes Global and Cooking : Cooking Channel | Cooking Channel (cookingchanneltv.com))


Interactive games and activities:

Some websites offer activities to introduce you to different cultures and history.  These are the types of interactive experiences that engage your curiosity and encourage learning.  Some ideas:

Google's Art and Culture

History channel (most require a subscription)

Sporacle: Lots of options

From Many Lands: Currency Concentration

Travel Documentaries

Settle back in the chair and learn more about the world.  Some ideas:

National Geographic Expeditions:

·         First, go to the YouTube Channel( NatGeoExpeditions - YouTube) and choose from the many options available.  Costa Rich, Antarctica, The Galapagos and more.  These short videos provide an overview of some of the most interesting places in the world.

·         Interested in going in person?  Go to the parent website ( National Geographic Traveler Vacation Packages | National Geographic Expeditions) to book your next trip.

TRACKS Travel Documentaries (YouTube) (TRACKS - Travel Documentaries - YouTube):  View by Top destinations, or by region. 

Rugged Road Trips:  This site offers us 11 adventure travel documentaries.  The site provides a direct link to the videos, all on YouTube.  11 Adventure Travel Documentaries on YouTube to keep you inspired during the Corona Crisis (ruggedroadtrips.com)


National Geographic Expeditions

Tracks- Travel documentaries

Study about culture and travel online

There are many free classes offered online which can provide insights into different regions and cultures.  Here are a few courses that you might enjoy:


AARP  Virtual Community Center

MIT Open Courseware

edX Learning

Harvard