We want our students to connect with people outside of our school. They need to see what it is like in other areas of the United States and beyond. When you only see the little square of land that is your neighborhood, you don't know what your life could be like elsewhere. You can't see the opportunities that may be just beyond the edge of the neighborhood. We don't want our students to be limited in their dreams and goals for the future.
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Tech Tip #2 - Teacher Use of Google Hangouts (Free App within Google Apps for Education - GAFE)
Google Apps for Education allows Teachers to connect with their students, parent and other classrooms worldwide. Why would we want to do this?
Teachers want their students to see the world around them but logistics limit this ability in many cases. Through Google Hangouts, teachers can
- During the Global Read Aloud (October 3rd - November 11th, 2016)
- During this time teachers can set up a Google Hangout with another classroom in Michigan or beyond to read one of the chosen books to both classes. During this time, students would be able to talk with the other class about the book. ( I am currently putting together a list of grade level teachers across the US to connect with our teachers that wish to take advantage of this opportunity)
- During Mystery “Skypes” (we would use Google Hangouts instead of Skype)
- Teachers set up Mystery Skypes with individual teachers based on their schedule and needs for their class.
- This activity allows teachers to do pre-work with their students on questioning strategies, narrowing down search criteria, map reading, etc.
- This activity, also, gives students the opportunity to meet and learn about other classrooms and cultures outside of Pontiac.
- They practice soft skills when working with the other class.
- Parent communications
- For parents that aren’t available to come in for Conferences, teachers can use a Google Hangout to connect in a virtual face to face environment. (Parents are not required to have a Google account to participate)
- Experts
- Bringing in experts in a particular field is generally difficult to do, but many will work with Teachers to do a 10-30 minute Google Hangout.
- Maybe Authors of Children’s books will talk with a class for 10-15 minutes without the speaking fees normally charged when coming into the classroom or charge a small fee.
- Professional Development
- Many teachers use Google Hangouts to connect to their PLN (Professional Learning Network) or other experts to learn, show, teach how to use a particular app, strategy or brainstorm ways to tackle a learning area of growth.
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I'm hoping to bring many of the teachers that I have talked with about these opportunities along for the ride. I know my superintendent is very excited about the possibilities that these opportunities provide our students.
