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.
I don't know why I was so against Google Drive and all the great Google things before. I don't know how I would live without it now. I love the fact that I can create a document and share it with my entire class with the click of a button. Gone are the days of I lost the assignment (I guess it will now be I deleted it by accident). I love that I can work with them from home, from my desk, or with them in person. I feel that I am reaching more students using Google Drive because I can see them working all at once. I love that you mentioned the revision history. It is nice to be able to go back and see what it was and what it is now in one spot. You brought up a lot of great points that I completely agree with! Google apps really helps move our classrooms into the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteI love how you are using Google Apps in your classroom. I actually started with Google Sites. It was a way for me to create a free website that my students could access. I was able to add a calendar with due dates, an announcement section, and even post my assignment directions for my students to view or download as they needed them. After this, I broadened into forms and I fell in love. I love using forms in my class. This is a simple and easy way to assess my students where I get the grade immediately, and I am also able to vary the types of questions that I am asking. Due to my subject matter, I really can't figure out a way to use Docs, but I won't quit trying!
Jillian
I like how you said Google Apps are a gateway to using different technologies. They're free, so anyone can try them out. Once people feel comfortable with these, they can move on to more tools. I also use Google Drive for developing curriculum. It's so easy to have everything stored on the cloud vs. having to email it to myself and try to remember what the most updated version is, or having to remember where I put that elusive thumb drive!
ReplyDeleteNice job on your survey and interpreting the data!
ReplyDelete