Google Tools in the Classroom
Posted by Gary on May 7, 2009 in Excel, Language Arts, PowerPoint, Science, Web 2.0, Word
Nathan Hale science teachers Matt Hinkley and Karl Englert are always searching for useful technology tools for their classrooms. One of their favorites is Google Tools for Educators. Google Docs is one component of the Google Tools suite (Sites, Calendar, RSS Reader, Picasa Photos, Maps and more). Specifically, Google Docs contains a word processor, presentation, and spreadsheet application. All 3 of these are stand-a-lone applications but also integrate well with Microsoft Office. Also in Google Docs is Forms, an easy-to-use survey tool. In addition, they use Google Calendar. All of these are available with a free Google account.
Here are a few descriptions of how these teachers are using Google Docs in their classrooms…
Google Tools: Google Forms and Spreadsheet:
1) During a 12th grade Environmental Science lab on organisms, Mr. Hinkley created a Google Form (a survey that puts the data in a spreadsheet and creates a graph) for students to collect and record the number of organisms in agricultural and natural areas they were studying. Students entered their lab data into the survey. Mr. Hinkley used the graphing feature in Forms to share the “collective” results with the class from his presentation station. As the students continue to add data Hinkley was able to update the graph to reflect the changes.
2) Mr. Englert uses Google Forms for students to complete an online Current Event assignment. Englert inputs the information and selects the type of questions required (multiple choice, open response, etc.). Once the assignment is ready, he embeds the Form/Survey (see picture below) on his Source class page for student access. As the students complete and submit their assignments, this work is compiled in a spreadsheet.
Click to view the sample images.
Google Tools: Google Documents (Word Processor):
1) Both Hinkely and Englert use Google Documents for students to collaborate on research projects. While working at their homes, at school, or in a library, students can work in collaborative groups to write and edit projects, like a “virtual meeting.” Using their telephones and or the build-in chat, students are able to have multiple people working on the same document at the same time. Also, because the students share their documents with Mr. Hinkley he is able monitor the progress of their work.
Google Tools: Google Calendar:
1) Karl Englert embeds a Google Calendar on his Source Class page to post assignments details, quizzes, tests, and other important class dates .
Notes:
1) Click here for more information about Google Tools for Educators.
2) Once students create a Google Account at home they can work on Google Docs from home or at school on student computers.
3) The instructions for finding and embedding the HTML code is on the Google Docs site.
July 15th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I just learned to use Google docs this summer! Wow! Great educational uses for editing and communicating. I guess Bess must not be doing any blocking of this tool, right?