ArcGIS recently launched a new free web application called ArcGIS Explorer Online. ArcGIS Explorer Online allows users to create mash-ups of geographic data on a map. Users can add data layers to the whole map or to a section of the map. There are one dozen map baselayers that users can build upon. To add data users can select the ArcGIS data base or upload their own data files. Below you will find instructions for three basic steps to get you started using ArcGIS.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Applications for Education
ArcGIS Explorer Online could be a good tool for geography teachers whose students cannot access Google Earth. For some students ArcGIS Explorer Online might be easier to use initially than Google Earth. In either case ArcGIS Explorer Online provides a good tool that will get students analyzing data in a geographic context quickly.

Here are some related items that may be of interest to you:
Google Earth Across the Curriculum
Free 33 Page Guide – Google for Teachers
Using Maps in an Elementary School Math Lesson