Google apps are becoming very popular in the school I teach at. In a way, I feel they are the gateways to technology use. When I first started using technology in my class, I started with Google docs. I then expanded to Google slides, then sheets. After I got those down, I was more confident to try other things such as sites. Google apps helped me to build technology confidence because they are easy to use and integrate into my curriculum.
I am now trying to transfer and build my curriculum in my Google drive. Having everything in the cloud allows me to access it anywhere versus having to run to the school so I can connect to the server. I also like using Google forms as an embedded quiz within my website. It is a great tool for formative assessment.
Google apps such as Google docs allow me to provide feedback for my students instantly. It also makes grading easy when looking at revisions because I can check the revision history. My students enjoy using the Google apps and have created some great papers, and presentations with them. According to our Module seven notes, "Students are continuously using real-time collaborative tools such as Google Apps and other social networking tools (recall the discussion from Module Five) to work together on homework or projects outside of the classroom without prodding from teachers" (para. 8). I have witnessed my students collaborating on papers and peer editing them without me asking them to do so.
In my current college class, the Google App, Forms, allowed me to survey my classmates over standards-based grading. I was interested to know what my classmates thought about this type of grading system because I have recently changed my grading to standards-based. I really like this new grading system, but I have only been using it for a year, so I was thankful for an opportunity to gain insights from my classmates who have been using it longer.
Click here to view the results of my survey
The survey showed that 4 out of the 5 standards-based graders felt that the grades their students earned accurately showed what they know and can do. Only one out of the three traditional graders felt that their students' grades accurately represented what they know and can do. Four out five of the standards-based graders felt that their grading system helped to foster a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. These results helped to reassure me that I am on the right track with my grading.
My Google App journey is yet to be done. I know there are a lot more out there that I have yet to use. As the years progress, I plan on trying out new apps in my classroom. If you have any to recommend, I would love to hear from you!
References:
(2015). Module seven: Productivity application: Google Apps. [Class Lecture]. Department of Education, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Module 5 Blog Post: Social Media
Using social media in schools is a debatable issue. The district I teach in just recently released the web filter on Twitter and Facebook at school, but only for teachers. Fear seems to be the biggest deterrent in using social media in schools and while being fearful is an honest response, it should not be the only decision making factor. Below I have outlined the pros and cons of social media in schools.
According to Lave and Wenger (1991) "It is widely accepted that learning has a strong social component and that this learning is situated in our relationships with others" (as cited by Solomon and Levin, 2010, p. 80). This is where social media comes in. It is a way for our students to collaborate with their peers which will aid in their comprehension of skills and concepts. According to Surowiecki (2004), "There is some evidence that the large number of humans engaged in Web 2.0 may be the key to innovative thinking and problem solving" (as cited by Solomon and Levin, 2010, p. 85). In order for our students to learn how to communicate in a civilized and educated manner online, we have to model this in our schools so they could one day be an innovator or problem solver like Surowiecki mentioned.
It is important to note that social media is not limited to just Twitter and Facebook. Sites such as Youtube, Blogger, and wikispaces are also considered social media sites. These sites offer creative ways for students to interact and learn from one another. This sites also allow students to be contributors and innovators online which allows them to start creating a positive digital footprint in their wake.
Social media can really have a positive impact on education. According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota "on student use of social media, students who are already engaging in social networking could benefit from incorporating it into curriculum" (as cited by Module five notes, 2015, p. 2). Christine Greenhow, a researcher, states, "By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and whereas the as-yet-unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected, and meaningful to kids" (as cited by Module five notes, 2015, p. 2). According to Cumberland (2014) social media in the classroom increases classroom participation and collaboration (para. 2-3). They also help parents, teachers, and students up-to-date with daily classroom lessons and assignments (Cumberland, 2014, para. 6).
While some may worry about the safety of social media there are safe social media options if a school is worried about safety such as edmodo, schoology, moodle, and Google classroom.
As we all know the very essences of social media is in it's name. It is a social site and with this comes challenges, especially when dealing with adolescents. One of the main concerns is cyber-bullying and harassment. Teachers can delete inappropriate posts or report them, but once it has been posted the damage has typically been done. Cumberland (2014) points out that "social media can be a distraction in class" as well as detract from face-to-face interaction which is also an important skill (para. 8-10).
In my opinion the pros out weigh the cons. It might be scary to use, but learning how to communicate online is an important skill for students. We cannot let fear dictate our future.
References:
March 11, 2015, from School is Easy Tutoriing website:http://www.schooliseasy.com /2014/02/social-media-in-the-classroom/
Pros:
According to Lave and Wenger (1991) "It is widely accepted that learning has a strong social component and that this learning is situated in our relationships with others" (as cited by Solomon and Levin, 2010, p. 80). This is where social media comes in. It is a way for our students to collaborate with their peers which will aid in their comprehension of skills and concepts. According to Surowiecki (2004), "There is some evidence that the large number of humans engaged in Web 2.0 may be the key to innovative thinking and problem solving" (as cited by Solomon and Levin, 2010, p. 85). In order for our students to learn how to communicate in a civilized and educated manner online, we have to model this in our schools so they could one day be an innovator or problem solver like Surowiecki mentioned.
It is important to note that social media is not limited to just Twitter and Facebook. Sites such as Youtube, Blogger, and wikispaces are also considered social media sites. These sites offer creative ways for students to interact and learn from one another. This sites also allow students to be contributors and innovators online which allows them to start creating a positive digital footprint in their wake.
Social media can really have a positive impact on education. According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota "on student use of social media, students who are already engaging in social networking could benefit from incorporating it into curriculum" (as cited by Module five notes, 2015, p. 2). Christine Greenhow, a researcher, states, "By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and whereas the as-yet-unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected, and meaningful to kids" (as cited by Module five notes, 2015, p. 2). According to Cumberland (2014) social media in the classroom increases classroom participation and collaboration (para. 2-3). They also help parents, teachers, and students up-to-date with daily classroom lessons and assignments (Cumberland, 2014, para. 6).
While some may worry about the safety of social media there are safe social media options if a school is worried about safety such as edmodo, schoology, moodle, and Google classroom.
Cons:
As we all know the very essences of social media is in it's name. It is a social site and with this comes challenges, especially when dealing with adolescents. One of the main concerns is cyber-bullying and harassment. Teachers can delete inappropriate posts or report them, but once it has been posted the damage has typically been done. Cumberland (2014) points out that "social media can be a distraction in class" as well as detract from face-to-face interaction which is also an important skill (para. 8-10).
In Summation
In my opinion the pros out weigh the cons. It might be scary to use, but learning how to communicate online is an important skill for students. We cannot let fear dictate our future.
References:
(2015).
Module five: Social networking tools and social media. [Class
Lecture]. Department of Education, Southern New Hampshire University,
Manchester, NH.
Cumberland, S. (2014, February 21). 5 pros and cons of social media in the classroom. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from School is Easy Tutoriing website:http://www.schooliseasy.com /2014/02/social-media-in-the-classroom/
Solomon,
G., & Schrum, L. (2010). Web 2.0
how-to for educators. Washington, DC: ISTE.
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