• I love Google. I probably google (i.e. search – I even use the word “google” instead of search most of the time) several times each day.
• I get excited about fun professional development opportunities.
• If you attend the Academy, you get goodies like:
• Access to the GCT Online Community
• Access to additional free ed tech resources
• Opportunities to give Google feedback on educational uses of tools
• Invitations to join Google at special events
• The right to post the GCT web badge on their website or blog
• I like goodies.
• It’s in Washington D.C. – since I’m in Delaware that’s an easy drive OR an easier Amtrak ride to get there.

In order to apply to attend, you have to make a one minute video on EITHER of the following topics: "Motivation and Learning" OR "Classroom Innovation." I’m already thinking up ideas!

When we visit my in-laws we stay at a hotel that is directly across the street from their flat. We usually spend a fair amount of time walking around in that area – to and from their flat and the metro station in particular. All of the following images were copied using Jing from Google’s Street View.

We often walk by Peter’s old elementary school – it’s such a cute building. We usually visit during winter or spring break so I haven’t seen kids around it but it looks like it would be a fun place to learn.

My father-in-law is a fantastic tour guide. He always shows us all over Prague during our visits. I’m sure this is mainly for my benefit since my husband is originally from Prague, but he seems to enjoy the touring as well.

We usually walk by St. Wenceslas Square at least a few times – it’s a very touristy area but great for people watching.

Near St. Wenceslas Square is this KFC. Why would I bother taking a capture of a KFC?

This was where Peter had his first job. It was on a summer vacation when he was in his early teens and he worked there for only a couple of weeks. His stories recounting his experiences there are hysterical.

The Prague National Theater is absolutely gorgeous. We’ve seen a few performances over the years here. It’s not uncommon for us to go to 4 or 5 nightly events during a 6 day visit to Prague. My mother-in-law wants to make sure we get in the appropriate amount of cultural experiences during our visit. 

One final capture from Google Maps Street View, simply because it makes me laugh – McDonalds. I’ve never actually eaten here but think we have walked by once or twice.

All this virtual touring is definitely making me miss Prague – especially Czech food.  Our next visit is this Christmas and we are definitely looking forward to it!

I think that there are some definite applications for using this in the classroom. What about using this for a virtual field trip? A lot of museums and other attractions now offer virtual tours on their sites. What about creating a virtual field trip that not only included a particular museum, but the surrounding area was available for the students to explore as well? I think this would be super cool for students.