Google Apps

Google Apps for Education are tools that give users access to email, online storage, collaborative documents and presentations, all in a cloud-based system.  It gives teachers the ability to send assignments and communicate with students and parents easily.  Schedules and calendars can also be easily shared.  Teachers can add students to their classroom directly or share a code with their class to join.  Classroom allows teachers to create, review, and grade assignments quickly, all in one place.  Students can see all of their assignments on an assignments page, and all class materials are automatically filed into folders in Google Drive. Teachers can quickly see who has or hasn’t completed work, and provide direct, real-time feedback. Most importantly, it is completely free!

Google Docs can be used to record meeting notes in the PLC (Personal Learning Community) that are shared with teams and building administrators to help keep communication open and create a plan of action when needed. 

Students can use Google Docs to create and work easily on team projects, with tools that allow real-time editing and instant collaboration.

Google Forms allow teachers to send formative assessment surveys out to students for goal setting reports and quick collaborative grouping. It also allows teachers to gain meaningful information from their students; feedback forms, getting to know you forms, etc.  This type of tool can aid in discovering learning barriers and for determining differentiated instruction.

Students can use Google Apps to access shared resources quickly and engage in learning with their teacher, classmates, and those beyond classroom walls.  Students can study with others, across distance, in real-time. 

As I researched Google Apps, I realized how efficient and easy it is to create a classroom website and utilize as a tool in my classroom.  I discovered how Google Apps replaces many other, less efficient, sources I currently use; weekly newsletters, perspective schedules, assignments, reading lists, and links to useful websites.  I can share project concepts, video tutorials, and many other resources within the classroom. It seemed overwhelming and impossible for me to create such an interface to be used amongst my students and I, but this assignment has shown me that it is possible and worthwhile.  With these tools, teachers can truly personalize instruction and help students learn without boundaries!

I plan to use the site I created for future communication and collaboration amongst my students, parents, and administration.  I’m excited to see the engagement as students begin to explore the endless opportunities provided through Google Apps for Education.