The First Place I Go To Go Somewhere In Class

     While Google Earth and Maps is quickly adding functionality that allows the classroom to visit places virtually as never before.  This is not the first place I like to go for my class.  There are several sights on the internet that offer indispensable access to incredibly important historical places, many of which tend to be off the beaten path.  For Googlephiles this means the Google Van may not be getting to them any time soon to photograph with their cool 360° camera.  Sorry.  No, the first place I check out is World Heritage Tours.  They have a geographically diverse and organized collection of thousands (yup, thousands) of panophotographies.  These are 360° shots of significant historical spots all over the world--and they are really cool. 

     Without apology I admit to using these regularly in my class on a SmartBoard.  When students are that close to that immersive of an environment on such a large scale where their direct contact interacts with the environment it is visceral.  As a class an individuals we can inspect important historical locations, notice important features, apply significant historical facts, interpret data, and more.  I have actually had entire classes gasp and ooh and awe at the experience.  Sometimes, just placing them on the board as students enter is enough to get class juices flowing and rush students in the room before the bell rings.  It is an inviting and enveloping experience.  I have in a few cases had students fall over as they stood before the board as the kinesthetic sensation and interest overwhelms their sensations and they feel like they are moving through the location.  Two students have fallen as they turned to "go somewhere" on the screen.  Others stoop to go under features and look around the board as if they are turning a corner.  Such immersives can be used in virtually any history class, Biblical studies, Foreign Language Studies, Geography, and of course Tech classes.  The panos are geotagged as well, so points of interest can be linked inside of Google Earth to "take it to another level."  Not using this medium is losing out on a fantastic opportunity for everyone including teachers.  While the WH tours are not the only ones out there, they are some of the best.  Give it a shot and tell me what you think.

Do you know of a good spot for immerisives?  Post it in the comments!