Thursday, July 21, 2016

Tech Tip #2 - Teacher Use of Google Hangouts (Free App within Google Apps for Education - GAFE)

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)

Hello ...,

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.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Tech Tip #1 - Administrative Use of Google Classroom (Free App within Google Apps for Education - GAFE)

I have started to document some of the cool features of being a Google Apps for Education (GAFE) School for my Superintendent and Curriculum Director in the form of Tech Tip emails.  As I send them out to my Administration, I will post the email contents here as a reminder of the extension to our classrooms that using GAFE provides.


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Tech Tip #1 - Administrative Use of Google Classroom (Free App within Google Apps for Education - GAFE)

Hello ...,
Google Apps for Education allows Administrators to maintain a class within Google Classroom with Teachers as the students.  Why would we want to do this?  

This would allow a class to be set up with Ms. Williams, Ms. Jones and Ms. Janell as the co-teachers. Teachers would be students in this class.
  • Surveys, forms, articles, training, flyers, etc. that are normally sent out through email would be assigned as an assignment in Classroom with a due date.  
    What this alleviates:
    • Teachers searching their email to find the survey, form, etc. to fill out.
    • Teachers not knowing or being able to find the due date.
    • Admins sending multiple email reminders to teachers before and after due dates.
    • Admins searching their email for responses from teachers. (Responses can be recorded, uploaded, etc directly into one location - Google Classroom).
    • Attaching actual files to emails. (Files can be linked directly from Google Drive to the assignment in Google Classroom. No more multiple version of files that untraceable.  Can force the creation of an individual file for each teacher from a template document to each teacher’s account, if individual copies are needed.)

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Kindest regards,

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As I document these exciting opportunities for teachers and administrators, I am also talking with teachers and administrators, documenting their needs and concerns, contacting experts in these areas, and creating training for them to easily implement these tools into their classrooms for the benefit of our students.