Going Google About Google Classroom!
Our district has just become a GAFE district and has begun rolling out summer training opportunities for Google apps. Access has not yet been provided therefore I could not experiment with Google Classroom first hand. Google Classroom allows teachers to set up virtual classrooms for the assigning, submission and review of assignments. Once classes have been created teachers can customize the classroom page background. A personal photo can be uploaded or the themes within Classroom can be used. In the teacher view, the "About" tab allows you to add a title to the class and display the teacher(s) for the class. A Google Drive folder is created automatically that can be used to provide materials for the class, such as: syllabus, handouts, and more. Materials can also be added using the options at the bottom of the page: attachment, download from Google Drive, You Tube video, and/or course link. A second tab in the classroom is the "Stream" page that can be used for classroom announcements. You have the option to post to the students in the current class the "Stream" page is in or post for multiple classrooms using a drop-down tab. When entering assignments, select the due date and the time, if desired. Google Classroom will track the number of completed/uncompleted assignments. On the left-hand side a list of assignments due, and the class code, which students will need to join the class. In the student view the teacher can choose whether to let students post or comment or both. The "invite" button allows a teacher to invite other students to the class. The "action" button can be used to delete, mute, or email specific students. Students will have a list of their classmates via a drop-down menu. The home page will display all of the classes that have been created with the option to rename or archive the class. Google Classroom provides an organized and paperless way for students to submit their assignments. This is also a great tool to use as a digital student portfolio.
Communication Bridge-Google Translate
Have you ever attempted to communicate with parents who speak a language other than English? This is the app for you! Now writing parent letters or communicating homework assignments and details just became easier.
Digital Reading Response Journals
Google docs can be used for students to write journal responses. The students' work can be saved in a shared Google document for teacher feedback/comments.
Google Hangouts-Social Connection
This is a messaging system that can be used on the internet or as an app. You can search for people to invite to the hangout. Once the person accepts they are placed in your address list. Groups can be created. Photos and You Tube videos can be uploaded. Various emojies and a drawing tool are also available for written messages. As I thought about how to use this app for teaching it drew my mind to think-pair-share or peer discussions. It would allow students to have "accountable chat" over various content to discuss their views or opinions, compare/contrast information, debate and provide supporting evidence, discuss steps to solving a problem, and many other collaboration activities.
There are several other features of Google that I am continuing to explore. They all have very practical uses for the classroom and can be adapted for any age group.
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