After spending the last two days in class working with Google, I feel at ease with what Google has to offer. I did not realize how big Google actually is or how much Google has to offer. In my eyes, Google may be the next Microsoft office but better because it is free. After learning about Google Sites as well as Google Docs, I am intrigued and determined to implement these new features into my curriculum.
The learning process was a rough patch at first. I found myself nervous about learning a new technology tool. Sometimes I feel like this is just the new and latest gadget that will only be replaced with another one in the next five minutes. I found myself in the shoes of my students. For some odd reason, I was afraid to hit the wrong button; I did not want to break the site. Of course, I know that part of the learning process is to experiment and learn from failure. I became one of my freshmen students, too afraid to hit save or a button. I did not want my information lost in cyberspace. This is an odd emotion for me to experience; I am a fast learner. For instance, I taught myself School Loop (program the Howard-Suamico School District uses for teachers’ website) and PBworks in two hours last summer. None of that matter, however. I was afraid. Fortunately, after a few minutes and with Josh on my left and Tim on my right, I relaxed. The realization that I was not the only newbie to Google and watching other classmates struggle put me at ease. Tim provided great advice that sparked confidence in my Google Site building ability. He simply stated that PBworks and Google Sites are similar; thus, I became positive. A weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I realized the connection. I had built a similar sight by myself. Google, however, has more to offer with better eye appeal. I am happy to say that in a matter of two days, I have switched my PBworks over to my new Google Site where I have a class fish tank, questionnaires, and much more. I am convinced that Google is the new 21st century tool that will lead my students and myself to building powerful projects and create fun, valuable learning opportunities.
I will be able to easily adapt Google Sites into my daily lesson plans. First, my goal is to switch my team taught LA 101 class over to one hundred percent project-based, which will heavily rely on technology. I am fortunate to be part of the downstairs purple pod team who was granted a cart full of twenty-two mini laptops for students to use. With these new gadgets, I should have easy access to technology for at least my one team taught LA 101 class. I plan to use Google Sites as a project much like a wiki. Students can share information about books and make real life connections on Google Sites through creating pages. While looking over the wiki page, zperiod3group4.wikispaces.com, my mind was immediately flooded with ideas on a similar assignment (partly because the page was based on Romeo and Juliet, which is a drama covered in my class). I was a fan of PBworks and Wikispaces, but since I was introduced to Google Sites, PBworks and Wikispaces are in the past. Essentially, I can have my students create a similar Wikispace but use Google Sites instead. A Google Site offers more gadgets, layouts, options, and even has Shakespearean gadgets that would be perfect for a similar assignment. When I had students create a PBworks wiki, I had too many problems with the site’s navigation to the point where I was not planning on doing the assignment ever again. With Google Sites, I can have students complete the same assignment with a program that is easier to navigate, which will hopefully create student engagement and motivation, especially with all of the interesting add-ons!
I also plan to use Google sites as my every day communication tool with students and parents. Last year, again, I used PBworks. PBworks is essentially the same thing, but Google Sites is more appealing to the eye and user friendly. What really made me switch over, however, was the fact that I can incorporate Google Docs. I love that I can help students at home with projects. All students have to do is write a question on the document on my Google Site. I also love the feature that allows other students to answer questions, too. Students are not only learning from me but also from their peers. I also like how I can control an evaluation about myself. Our school offers a student and parent survey, but some of the questions are not meaningful to my teaching practices. Also, students and parents are not likely to fill it out. I can direct and have students complete the survey in my class or for homework and have the results sent directly to me! I also love how information from the questionnaire is organized by Google Docs. This saves me time. I love how my Google Site makes my website interactive for my students and also allows me to display my personality.
I am not sure how I will incorporate Google Docs into my classroom other than the question and answer page on my Google Site. I know that as students continue their journey in the English department, they will be exposed to Google Docs. It would be a great tool to use in the classroom to have students quickly write and share. I also, however, see problems with Google Docs. The first, and obvious, would be the availability of technology. Yes, I am lucky to have a cart full of twenty-two laptops. I do, however, have to share the cart with four other teachers. I have to be realistic. As of right now, my plan would be to use the computers for my one LA 101 team taught class. Yes, I will use Google Docs, but I still like the idea of having students save their files to their school drive or flash drive. I love to have backup plans to my backup plans.
The last two days have opened up my eyes to Google. In some ways, Google may be on the path to monopolizing the internet and the worlds’ information. Google, however, is easy to use and convenient. Google offers me a solution to running around my classroom like a chicken with my head cut off looking for a flash drive to save students’ work to finish at home. Instead, Google offers me an easy solution: One home and one place where everything is stored.
Happy to hear that you feel more comfortable with Google Sites and Docs now.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you mention Google becoming the next Microsoft because lately, Microsoft has been playing catch-up to Google. Microsoft is launching Office 365 on June 28, a cloud-based version of the traditional Microsoft Office suite that also integrates features for business like Sharepoint, Lync, and Exchange. While this may be attractive to business, and could be more robust than Google Docs/Apps, there is a cost involved. The best thing about Google Docs to me is that it is free, so a Microsoft alternative seems like too little too late.
ReplyDeleteImplementing a project-based approach that relies more heavily on technology in the team taught 101 class sounds like a great way to transition your curriculum to this new style of teaching and learning. This approach will give you time to work out the kinks, and hopefully, for our access to technology at Bay Port to catch up to your ambition. Laying this groundwork should make it much easier to use this approach in all of your 101 classes, and eventually, every class you teach.
One positive aspect of requiring students to submit all papers using Google Docs is that will give you access to their work electronically. Since Bay Port will be subscribing to turnitin.com next school year, you will already have to move away from accepting printed copies of student work. Sometimes it is easier to require two changes at the same time, as students will already be facing a disruption to their status quo. One caveat, though, is that because we are not subscribed to the service yet, I do not know if it can be integrated with Google Docs. If you had to export each Google document and then upload it to turnitin.com, the process would be much more burdensome for you.
This just goes to show how far behind I am with technology. To me, Microsoft is still the number 1 place I go to to write a paper or create a presentation. It's a good thing I have subscribed to technology blogs in my RSS feeds. It seems to me that it is not Google or Microsoft that is behind, it's me :)
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point with having students switch over all at once. I just fear that I might start using Google Docs and then just leave it behind. I also like to grade hard copies of papers. It is hard for me to grade on a computer screen.
I also planned to use turnitin for students. I was going to have them upload and and look at the results to assess if changes are needed. Then I was going to have them turn their paper in with a summary report! I guess my way uses even more trees.