The WorldWide Telescope
Microsoft research has just release an application that is social networking for the sky. It looks an amazing application that allows users to take a tour of the universe in an uncluttered, easy flowing environment. The best part is, there are ways to create "tours" and share those tours with other users, in a social-networking type of way. In fact, the WWT developers are encouraging the use of these tours to "tell the story" of the universe. They really believe that, through social networking and sharing of these "tours" that students, educators and all people can benefit from the "story telling" of the universe. This is another example of how the world really is at not only our fingertips, but our students' fingertips. We are very shortly going to facilitate learning, instead of being the conduit for learning, as educators.
It really looks like an amazing tool, and once I get it downloaded and set up, I will report back. I can't wait to use it and let my little guys try it!
http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/
/shawn
ps The system requirements for the use of the application are very intensive, so make sure your system requirements can handle this.
Here is a TED video describing the WWT
Keywords: social networking, space, WorldWide Telescope