Reflection

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Reflection

For the Fable lesson, I incorporated Google Docs. This allows the students to collaborate on a “worksheet” online. They can add to the document simultaneously from their own devices. I also created documents that can be used as a whole class lesson, individual practice, or as homework. There is some flexibility for the teacher which I like. I know this isn’t a tool, but through this course I learned how to use links feature in a document to get to other places on the internet. I used this in this lesson plan quite a bit. I linked to YouTube for visuals of the fables, an audio version of the fable for learners that need this accommodation, and I linked to docs we use throughout the lesson. These docs can be used on student devices or thrown up on a smartboard for whole class instruction.

Our county has adopted the Portrait of a Graduate to answer this question “What are the skills necessary for success for all children in this rapidly changing, increasingly diverse, and interconnected world” The use of Google Docs (and many of the other tools in the Google suite) addresses the skills a student needs to be a successful portrait of a graduate...Communicator, Collaborator, Ethical and Global Citizen and Creative and Critical Thinker.

Throughout this course I have learned so much about the different Google Tools. Honestly, I had no idea so much existed!!! As a teacher, I can see myself utilizing Google Docs a lot. It’s is so easy to use and versatile, and with the many add-on options, you can do so much more than simple word processing!! I am still learning what all the features are, but I am so excited! I can see myself using Docs to create lesson plans, Venn Diagrams, charts and graphs (thinking math and science!!). I can save them in folders on My Drive for easy organization and access. It’s super easy to share docs (slides, sheets, etc) with colleagues and students. I can also see myself using Google Calendar a lot, with both students and parents. What an easy way to keep track of assignments and their due dates. You can also link documents so there’s no more ”I forgot my worksheet”. You can put school holidays, field trips, project due dates, links to videos and study guides and so much more. Google Sites is another Google Tool I will use. I will create  a newsletter type of place for parents to go to for information regarding our class. I will have links to the class calendar, signups, parent resources, and any other information I feel parents need to know. It’s so frustrating to have to dig through old emails or papers brought home looking for information.

To make sure the students see the value in learning the skills associated with working with Google tools, I will use them myself in the classroom. During whole class lessons we will do searches, look at the class calendar, and collaborate on documents. We will also create documents, blogs, slides, etc as part of lessons. I would love to do a hangout with a class in another school, county, state or even country!! THAT would be fun!!! Modeling is very important. Students to see the value and validity of Google tools by using them in the classroom, and hopefully that learning will extend beyond the classroom walls. 

I love that Google has much to offer to enhance my professional development. Throughout this course, we have used Google Doc to collaborate on different assignments. This has given us the opportunity to work together on a single product as time allows in our schedule. Another great tool I learned about is Google Hangout. What a fun way to gather  and collaborate on lessons, share ideas or participate in a training when everyone getting together in one location isn’t an option. Google Slides is a great way to present a topic at a staff development workshop.  Blogger is also a great way to share information. Teachers, librarians, etc can set up a blog as a place to share information on their specialty so that other educators may have access to the information as well. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities for teachers.