Google Apps

I have used Google apps in the past in my classroom, but not extensively.  One way I used it was to set up a sign-up sheet for parents to bring snacks to a weekly, after school meeting for our Battle of the Books team.  It was not user-friendly for many of the parents, not allowing them to sign on, even after I listed their email as one that could view and update.  There was a lot of frustration to everyone involved.  Now, I think there may be better ways to use different Google apps for these types of situations.  Google groups looks like a good option for this type of use.  Another good use for Google groups would be for committee work.  We have leadership committees at our school, and I am the head of the Curriculum committee.  It would be effective to put all of our information into one place, and have everyone be able to access it at once.

Google apps will help me be a better communicator with parents.  I am going to set up a new website for my classroom on Google site.  The assignment for this week in which we created a website on Google sites was very informative for me.  Having the ability to make a form on the website will be a big help and useful tool to me.  I did not know this existed before this class!!  The website is very easy to update, also.  This will help me keep the information current for parents, which will aid in communication.  I love how easy it is to attach a calendar to the website, as well as how easy it is to put important information on the calendar. 

I discovered the Google Lit Trips, which I am VERY excited to use in my classroom.  Lit Trips are free from Google.  They follow the story of a book, and give students the opportunity to see where the story takes place.  They also include information about the location, as well as discussion starters about the story, and supplemental information about the location.  Several books on the Lit Trips site are currently in use in my classroom.  I feel this will enhance the experience for students as they are reading the book.  Although we have used Google Earth in other ways in the classroom, such as to see current day Williamsburg after learning about colonial Williamsburg, I feel Lit Trips will really help my students connect with a story.  I am currently reading “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” as a read aloud to my class.  Now, we can follow the trip as the Watsons travel from Flint, MI to Birmingham, AL. 

Google Apps have become very useful, and easy to use.  I see myself making use of many of them as opportunities arise.