Google for Teachers - Working Smarter, Not Harder

Google Classroom - Working Smarter, Not Harder

I have to say that I am one of those people who has heard the chatter on the benefits of Google but hadn't really fully dove in until this semester in my Technology Education course at UNI. I am astounded on how many ways Google apps can help make life easier and more efficient. So, I wanted to highlight some of my new discoveries and share them with you! These tools from Google for Educators, whether old and familiar or new and improved, will keep teachers and students inspired, inventive, and organized.

There are a ton of different links and downloads available and it can be quite a doozy trying to figure out which ones work and which ones are a flop. Google created Google for Educators, which puts some of the most sought out and useful applications in one place for you. 

From French to Math or from Music to History, there is a free website that gives you step by step virtual directions and videos to help get you ready to go. 

Google Drive

Google Drive is a very easy and efficient way for teachers to provide feedback to students. This was also something that I had not seen until this semester. It allows you and your class to track what changes have been made, save each revision, and collaborate in real time. You can create folders for different projects and easily organize class handouts. 

Google Search

Google Search is something we all have used, probably even multiple times each day! Within the search site, Google has also come out with a Webquestish game called A Google a Day, where students are prompted to solve and answer a question each day. This will help our students build digital literacy skills in finding quality sources of information. I think this is extremely important given the amount of false information on the web. 

Google CS First

Teachers and students alike will benefit from this computer science curriculum called CS First. This app was designed to Inspire kids to create with technology through free computer science clubs. It's really easy to start up, its free and fun. Google will actually send you printed materials for free. Kids loving these  CS First clubs and they are available in a variety of themes, such as music, art, and game design, that are designed to capture a student's existing interests.

Google Keep

Google Keep, is A-mazing. This is definitely something you can use every day. There is a desktop/web version or you can download the App. Keep is super simple and super sweet way to take notes. It takes text based note taking to a whole notha level. You can use it to save an image, make an audio recording for yourself or you can even create a to-do list. 

Google Classroom

Google's newest amazing app is called Google Classroom. Teachers are able to create a space where they can make announcements, post assignments and give students a way to interact with their classmates in addition to turning in assignments electronically. There are Android and iOS versions of Google classroom making it even easier for students to access. 

Google Sites

Teachers, Google Sites is your place to create a digital presence on the web. One of the best things about Google Sites is its ability to be that digital hub for your classroom. Using video, docs, forms and other resources to place onto your web classroom to ensure that everyone has access inclusively. You can combine calendars for due dates, early outs etc for both students and parents to access.  You can have students create their own portfolio, like we did with our class, showcasing the hard work and accomplishments made during the school year. 

Google Maps 

Google Maps helps students explore the world around them because they can go virtually anywhere in the world through Street View. Rejoice! -  Google Earth Pro is free, and teachers and students can use Google Maps Engine Lite (permission required) to create custom maps for a variety of projects. Also, check out Google Tour Builder to have your students create their own interactive tours of historical sites, locations in literature, and travel guides. Seriously the possibilities are endless and will open up the doors of creativity! 



http://www.india.com/whatever/teachers-day-google-wishes-happy-teachers-day-with-colorful-doodle-139717/

https://creativecommons.org/