Monday, February 7, 2011

Google Apps in the Middle School Classroom

Notes from a breakout session at TCEA 2011 Google Academy

Amy Hopkins
Caddo Mills ISD

Links to Presentation http://scr.bi/fu4LbV or http://bit.ly/if4vF8


BACKGROUND
  • Implemented use of Google Accounts in her classroom 4 years ago with 8th graders
  • District converted email to Google Apps 2 years ago
  • Converted classroom/middle school campus to Google Apps for Ed this year
Why Google Apps for Education?
Caddo Mills 6th Graders Use:
  • iGoogle
    Customized homepage
    Students can pick themes and gadgets to add to page educational and personal
  • Gmail
    Gives students an email address to  make signing up for educational websites EASY!
    Teachers communicate with students on regarding assignments, tests/quizzes, etc
  • Docs/Spreadsheets
    Ability to create documents - word  processing, spreadsheets, and presentations
    Upload already-created documents and continue working
    Access from anywhere the user has an Internet connection
    Create forms
    Collaborate on documents with each other
  • Bookmarks
    Students can save their favorite websites to access at any time
    Create "labels" or folders/categories to keep them organized
    Share bookmarks with others
    No more having to remember website names and addresses!
    Students put a widget for it on their iGoogle page
  • Reader
    Constantly checks favorte news sites and blogs for new content
    Shows all of your favorite sites in one convenient place
    A great site for kids to learn about Current Events that we subscribe to! The Big Picture
  • Notebook
    Aids in compiling research - save only the information from a website that is really wanted
    "Clip" information into notebooks for later access
    Makes creating citations for a Works Cited page a SNAP! - saves all needed information
    Note: Google has said it is no longer upgrading Notebook
  • Calendar
    Receive email or mobile text-message reminders
    Share calendars with others
    Print calendars if needed
    Access Google Calendar from a mobile phone
  • Picnik
    Acquired by Google - March 1, 2010
    Edit digital photos
Random Tip: When teaching keyboarding, make kids wear basketball dribbling glasses so students can't see the keyboard
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