Thoughts - Props To Google Earth Education (GEEC)
Google Earth Education just donated $12,000 worth of software to my school. The software consists of 30 1-year licenses for Google Earth Pro at $400 per licenses. How did I pull this off - let me explain.
Frank Taylor of Google Earth Blog was giving me a few pointers on how to load multiple map layers into Google Earth. He asked why I didn't just load the layers in as SHP files. I use and have used Google Earth for years now, but I could not afford the $400 for the GE Pro version. Also, the standard version of GE gave me everything I needed. That is, almost everything. I explained to Frank that I was trying to load raster images of my island maps into GE. So he patiently explained how I would add layers of info in correct order. But I was intrigued with this ability to load vector files into GE. I snooped around and explored the capabilites of GE Pro. The standard download site offered the 7-day GE Pro trial. I decided to give it a try. It sure did allow me to load a SHP vector file easily. The 7-day limitation and $400 price tag gave me serious pause. And then the GE Pro GEEC offer - any bonified educational institution merely need apply to the proper folks at Google supplying school and prospective use information. They would make a determination. If approved, they update your previously downloaded 7-day trial version with the keys to transform it into a 1-year license. So I gave it a try.
Five days later I got my answer. I stated in my request, that I would be using the software in my classroom to augment my Social Studies lessons, where I now have 30 Dell SX520s installed. Much to my suprise and delight they granted 30 1-year licenses. Wow!.
Teachers, if you are interested in this offer, drop me a line at pjminton@gmail.com and I will give all of the info you need in order to apply.
Enjoy!
