I use Google Tools in the classroom to help communicate and engage students. The technology and social networking is nothing new to them and they are excited to use it. Something you should know… You might have to get your IT person to allow access to these tools. Good luck with that one.

Each student has created a Gmail account. Each account is their “first and last name” @ Gmail.com and allows them access to these Google Tools.

In “Google Spreadsheets”, I create an individual rubric for each student and share it with that student and / or parents.

In Gmail, once you create contact lists with classes, you can import pictures of the students into the contact information. This is handy to ID a student with another teacher or administration.

Instead of Word Documents we use “Google Docs”. This allows me to track a students activity on a project as well as give them feedback.

I use the “Google Calendar” to share lesson plans, days off, due assignments, etc. with students so they know what is expected.

“Google video” is used to video record students completing tasks to demonstrate to future students.

“Google Notebook” is used to keep online research organized and shared.

“Google Bookmarks” keep the most used websites at students finger tips anywhere online. No more “I forgot where I was supposed to go online”.

Whenever administration implements any online activities for the students, I have the students Gmail their user name and password to themselves so they always have access to it.

When a student completes a quiz, I Gmail them the results, with answers, so they have feedback.

These items are auto saved as work is completed so no work is lost. A revision is created on each update so the user can look back as far as they want to on the work changes. Because I can see student activity, there are no excuses on assignments. Students can also collaborate together on a paper and see who has completed what and when. No need for floppies, thumb drives, or personal folders on the network.

Note : I am the only one at our school using these tools. So far, my administration has not expressed any interest in “change”:)

You can see some of these tools on my school website.

Normally I don’t have lots of problems with it, but I did last year. I just wanted to be prepared this year if I try it again.

Thanks so much.

Are there any sites that offer Google Spreadsheet activities? I am trying to introduce some new technolgies to elementary and middle school students. I use Google/Google Earth a lot but am interested in these spreadsheets.

Thanks!

Ryan Osweiler
-http://portermsblog.edublogs.org – Tech Osweiler Page!
Instructional Technologist
Woodbridge, VA

Has some nice features, especially for students that may not have access to Powerpoint.