Google+Sketch+Up+Pro

Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling software application that is used extensively be schools worldwide. Although there is a fee version of SketchUp, there is also a Pro version which is typically a product schools pay for. Through an agreement between Google and the Wisconsin Department of Instruction, Google is offering free licenses to Google SketchUp Pro 8 to PK-12 schools in Wisconsin. The licenses are good for 3 years, at which point we may reapply for a new license. The West Allis/West Milwaukee District has applied for 455 licenses: 210 for the two high schools, 210 for the three intermediate schools and 35 for the alternative high schools. Steve Blum recently sent an email to the library directors to invite them to contact the help desk about having Google SketchUp Pro 8 installed in their building.

There is a free trial version which allows you 8 hours of Google SketchUp time on your home computer in case you want to experiment with it. [|Google SketchUp Pro Downloads]

This is the video tutorial for step one in learning to navigate Google SketchUp: [|Video Tutorial #1] More video Tutorials can be found at: [|Google SketchUp Pro Tutorials]

Google SketchUp in Classrooms media type="custom" key="8589392"

Google SketchUp is used to create 3D models for Google Earth: [|Creating 3D models for Google Earth]

One wiki writer's list of strengths and weaknesses of this tool along with ideas for classroom uses: Teach Web 2.0