Google Apps are extremely useful and convenient.
Anyone with a Gmail account has access to a plethora of tools. Many of these
tools are similar to the ones you would find in Microsoft Office. Google Docs
is like Microsoft Word, Google Sheets is like Excel, And Google Slides is like
PowerPoint. However, in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, users can collaborate
and edit in real-time, and everything is saved into your Google Drive
automatically. Furthermore, Google offers tools that extend far beyond what
Microsoft Office offers such as Google Forms (Surveys), Sites, and of course,
Blogger. In general, Google is awesome because it offers a large number of free
apps, it keeps everything in one place for you, it saves everything for you,
and it allows you to collaborate and connect with others.
Now, "Imagine the impact this free “in the
cloud” technology can have when used in education" (SNHU, 2015). The use
of Google Apps in school can be extremely beneficial to student learning.
Teachers can use Google to create class websites where students can find
assignments and resources and any other information the teacher wants to share.
Students can share papers and presentations with their classmates and their
teachers. That way, they can edit each other's work and receive more immediate
feedback from their teachers. Additionally, when using Google Docs and Slides,
students can work on group projects and presentations from different locations.
They do not need to get together to complete a group project or presentation.
Google Forms can also serve multiple purposes in education. A teacher can ask
students to complete a general survey or "quizzes can be created using
the Form tool" (SNHU, 2015). "When students complete the quiz all of their responses are captured in a spreadsheet for easy viewing and grading. An advanced feature of Google Forms is the option to create a self-grading multiple choice/true or false assessment" (Byrne, 2012). There
are so many other tools online that teachers can use to quiz students, such as
Poll Everywhere and Kahoot, that I hadn't even considered using Google Forms.
However, it is a great idea, especially if it can be set up to self-grade!
Google Forms is so versatile!
It can even be used when providing professional development
to educators. For example, a Google Form could be created to determine the
technology needs of a school's staff. The responses to such a survey could help
a technology integrator determine what to offer for professional development and
how best to deliver the information. I created a sample technology needs
survey, and some of my classmates (you) responded. Here are some of the results.
Summary
What grade level do you teach?
Kindergarten - Grade 5
3
9-12
11 - 12
K-5
What subject do you teach?
All
Computer/Tech
Technology
Photoshop and Illustrator
English
I am comfortable using the following hardware in my classroom.
| Laptops | 5 | 100% |
| Projectors | 5 | 100% |
| Interactive Whiteboards (Mimio Boards) | 4 | 80% |
| Document Cameras | 3 | 60% |
| Mobile Devices | 4 | 80% |
| Calculators | 3 | 60% |
| iPads | 3 | 60% |
| Other | 0 | 0% |
I am comfortable using the following software in my classroom.
| Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs) | 5 | 100% |
| Spreadsheet Software (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) | 5 | 100% |
| Interactive Whiteboard Software (Mimio Teach) | 4 | 80% |
| Educational Websites | 4 | 80% |
| Social Networking Sites | 1 | 20% |
| Blogs | 4 | 80% |
| Wikis | 2 | 40% |
| Podcasts | 3 | 60% |
| Other | 0 | 0% |
I learn best by:
| Attending a scheduled training or workshop. | 1 | 20% |
| Receiving a manual or handouts. | 1 | 20% |
| Working individually or in small groups. | 2 | 40% |
| Going to a website with training/support information. | 0 | 0% |
| Observing. | 0 | 0% |
| Other | 1 | 20% |
I would be willing to:
| Share my knowledge with other faculty/staff. | 5 | 100% |
| Model software/hardware/lessons in my classroom. | 5 | 100% |
| Assist with training as a peer or team member. | 4 | 80% |
| Develop training materials to support colleagues | 3 | 60% |
I would like the technology integrator to:
| Provide frequent and consistent collaborative planning. | 2 | 40% |
| Provide regular collaborative planning. | 4 | 80% |
| Provide occasional collaborative planning. | 3 | 60% |
| Provide occasional advice and and tips. | 3 | 60% |
What type of technology do you use most in your classroom?
Desktop computers
I use chromebooks because every students has one. I use Google sites as well. Students create a Google site for my class and use it as a container for all of their assignments. My class website is also a Google site.
Research based tasks, like web quests, that require students to go on a journey of discovery to find answers and solutions to complex problems.
Desktop computers, smartboard, overhead projector
LCD Projector
What do you want to learn about technology integration?
I am getting two iPads and I want to learn how to incorporate them into my classroom.
Different tools that I can use
How to motivate classroom teachers to use technology more often
How to make QR codes.. that can be incorporated into lessons.
To use it more effectively with my students.
What barriers, if any, have you encountered when trying to integrate technology?
Stubborn teachers...who fear using technology as part of their instruction.
Lack of funds
Failing in the middle of a lesson.
Sometimes technology can be glitchy. Internet goes down or a site is not working.
Unreliable internet access
I totally agree that Google offers a "plethora of tools" that can be extremely useful in our personal life and professional. The only piece that worries me sometimes is the amount that it relies on internet access. Sometimes throughout the school day we lose internet access(our WiFi stinks) and that can be an issue if your teaching in the middle of a slides presentation. Now this issue will hopefully improve over time but I imagine that many schools have this dilemma with the amount of people using the server. How do you deal with problems like this? I always have a back up on a PowerPoint or in class assignment handy but it can be frustrating when you put all this work into a presentation and it doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of the negative impact a poor wifi connection could have. We have all seen people run into "technical difficulties" when trying to give a presentation. It doesn't happen often at my school. The only time I lost Internet was when I accidentally switched it off on my laptop. However, I would tell my students to always have a backup plan and at least plan out what they are going to say. That way, if they are unable to show their presentation they can still discuss the topic and share the presentation with me and their classmates later when it is working. I would also warn them that papers should be printed out or shared ahead of time, prior to the due date. Very good point!
DeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job explaining some of the different tools available with Google Apps. I have used Forms in my classroom a couple of times for tests, and Docs to collaborate with my colleagues, but I haven't really used them to their fullest potential in my classroom.
I also like how you brought up the fact that students do not need to be together anymore to work on a project together. Using Google Docs and Slides, students can complete a project at home or on the weekends. It's no longer necessary to meet with other students at the local library. While this does have its pros and cons, I do think that Google Apps should be incorporated as a part of the curriculum to allow students to learn how to communicate in an effective manner online.
Jillian
Dear Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI second the thoughts of both you and Amanda G with regards to wealth of possibilities the use of Google applications can offer when integrated effectively into an education setting. Out of all the tools available I have used the Google Sites the most, in the development of theme specific web pages, and web quests with students, however as my understanding of them grows I know I will begin to incorporate more as time goes on.
For me the greatest benefit Google Apps has to offer is the price. I work in a school were many families struggle to make ends meet. So having a plethora of high quality free tools available for everyone to use on almost any device from anywhere is priceless for students who may not have the latest and greatest versions of things. As such the true value behind Google apps is providing an environment where every child can equally and fairly share, communicate and learn.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and survey results.. thought provoking
Terri
The fact that Google Apps are free and available for everyone to use on any device really is great. I love your last quote... Google "is providing an environment where every child can equaly and fairly share, communicate, and learn."
DeleteGreat post. I agree with everything you said about Google, it is awesome and free. I have never used Google Forms before and never have I created a survey before. When you get the hang of the App it was easy to use and love how it translates the data for you.
ReplyDeleteWell-written! And your survey was very balanced (not too many of the same type of question). Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...I like how you balanced your survey questions. The results look great, and you could really draw some interesting conclusions based on your data.
ReplyDelete