For the past several weeks I feel like this is all I can talk about... and with good reason! I have had the privilege to test run the new Google@CPS system. How is it? Since you can't see me right now, I'll let you know: I have a huge smile on my face.
Google Apps brings a myriad of collaboration and creation opportunities to the hands of both students and educators. Here are a few things I've tried and am excited about for the upcoming year:
As an Educator:
Collaboration on Google Docs!
Teacher colleagues can now collaborate, real-time, on a single lesson plan or unit plan document. Then, all of our planning can be saved for future years. Moreover, the revisions (and thus different iterations) of the same plan will be saved, so we can go back and view how the unit evolved throughout the year or over the years.
Room reservations on Google Calendar!
Space reservations have long been a headache for us. Who is using the performance space on Monday at 2pm? Is it still available? Is it double booked? Yikes!
Now Google Calendar seamlessly integrates room reservations as you enter calendar appointments. The rooms appear in a drop-down menu and (here's the beauty) if they're already reserved, you can't request them! Simple as that. Another idea that we tried out - creating a separate calendar for room requests so people can see who/when the room is reserved.
Going Green with Google Forms!
Field trip requests. Supply forms. Space requests. Maintenance requests. Tech forms. Conference logs. Nurse passes.
I remember when I first began teaching, I had a litany of forms, logs and sheets to keep on hand. I had two (yes two) file organizers on my desk simply for all the paperwork I needed. Once I submitted them, there was the slow wonder of "Was it received?" and "When will I hear back?" Half the time I would forget to turn in a form simply because it meant having to go make a photocopy of the blank master (and surprise, the copier was out of toner). Now, teachers can submit digital versions of these forms and get quick, electronic feedback. What's more, the form submits are timestamped and archived so that a record can be kept. Brilliant!
As a Student:
Collaboration on Google Docs! (It's so great that it's worth mentioning twice.)
Now that all of our students will have Google accounts, the possibilities seem endless. Take the example of writer's workshop. Instead of waiting until the end of a draft to see how a student is doing, simply have him/her share their doc with you and watch as the student crafts their essay - in real time. Give comments on the side of the page and jump to another student's doc. Writing teachers: think about how you keep track of student revisions and drafts... When I first taught writer's workshop, I had so many strategies: three folders glued together to create a giant six-pocket folder to represent each of our six writer's workshop steps (thanks Ms. Keller for that idea!); tape and scissors on each table for kids to "cut" and "paste" as they edited their writing; and of course post-its galore. While they all worked at the time, none were as efficient as what Google Docs can offer. Using this Google app, kids can keep track of their own drafts and revisions through Google Doc's revision history! Cleaner, more effective, more straightforward. Love it! Now imagine these features transferring to science notebooks, social studies journals and literature circles.
Organization in the Cloud!
What's my homework? When's that test? What day in my notes did we learn about factors again?
All questions easily answered by your classroom's friendly Google Calendar. Color code assessments, homework assignments and lesson objectives (Think: "I can statements" on the calendar for each day) by creating a calendar system for each. Then, watch as students take ownership over their own learning - planning ahead for lessons or going back and reviewing using the calendar. You can even attach files to events so students may download lesson guides or a graphic organizer!
Google Forms Grades Your Papers!
Grading papers got you down? Google forms to the rescue! Check out this post to learn more about how Google Forms can transform - and expedite - assessment cycles in your classroom!
Hopefully, this got you thinking (and smiling) about the new Google@CPS rollout as much as I have. I can't wait to see how these tools transform our district. However, remember - a tool is only as powerful as the person who wields it. So don't be afraid to try out something new, or extend on your expertise. Now is the perfect time because on July 30, Google is coming to a classroom near you...
For more information and ideas on how to use Google Apps in your classroom check out this post.