Lopez 8.3 Google Apps Blog

Lopez 8.3 Google Apps Blog

Of course first and foremost google apps should be used for the classroom because it offers safety and security for data used by instructors and students.  Your data is controlled by you including who you share it with what access you give them.  Google apps can bring teachers, students and teams together to be creative in real time editing and sharing controls. 

Using Google Docs each team member can add their portion to help complete assignments or projects quicker.  Students can collaborate with one or more students in different states or studying abroad.  Students can gather information and manage feedback with social commenting.  With google docs students can not only collaborate on essays but the creation of worksheets, to track projects and analyze data.  Students can also create and edit beautiful slides and publish their presentations on the web for anyone to view and or share them privately.

G Mail can be used for voice, video chat between students and teachers and connect instantly.  For younger students the teacher can control who can send and receive emails and use chat.  Google calendar is also a good tool to use and schedule lessons and or meetings.  You can share multiple calendars as an instructor with others to coordinate important meetings and or trainings.  Google Calendar can easily send invitations and manage RSVPs.  Google Calendar can also be shared school wide.   

Google sites is an easy way to build webs either from pre-built templates or students and instructors can build their own site with simple to use colors and designs.  Google sites can also be used on PC or Mac computers and students do not need to download any software. 

Overall google apps is not only helping small businesses but helping school districts save money by using apps that are secure and safe to use. One of our local school districts has been using google apps for many years to benefit both students and instructors.  I have also had the benefit to use apps for school and for my job at Pueblo Community College. Using google docs has helped me work with some wonderful students from across the state and across the country.  Many documents I do not have to worry about losing on my hard drive or saving to a jump drive because my documents are saved and secure in the cloud.  I intend to learn more about google apps throughout my education and career.