6-Google Tools

“Ten Creative Ways to Use Google Tools to Maximize Learning” is an article that describes 10 features that Google offers that can be helpful to the classroom teacher and students. Google Docs can help support organization, the writing process, and note taking and sharing with in the classroom.  It also allows collaboration between the teacher and student when working in shared docs. Google Forms provides formative assessment data, giving the teacher the ability to evaluate the level of comprehension of each student before they walk into the classroom or after a concept is taught. This is done through surveys created on Google Forms. Google Voice allows teachers and/or students leave voice messages on a Google Doc instead of annotations. This allows students to hear comments about their writing instead of reading notes written on their paper. Research Tools allows students to search within their project or open document to find information without having to work between multiple browser tabs or windows. It makes using the web easier to use while researching. Write Space is a customizable text editor that allows students to write with no distraction causing items on the screen. There are no formatting ribbons or chat boxes that could possibly cause students to lose focus. Google Dictionary and Image Dictionary is a handy tool that one can access by right clicking his or her mouse. Instead of just being given synonyms, Google Dictionary can give an image and definition on the same screen. This aides in the increase of comprehension and saves much time. VideoNot.es allows students to take notes and automatically saves those notes as they are watching a video. The video and text box for notes is displayed simultaneously. Google Moderator gives students a voice and the opportunity to rise as leaders. They are able to ask questions, submit topics or ideas for discussions, and have conversations. Google Drive Template Gallery allows teachers and students to view templates or creative forms of another.  

I was not aware of all the tools and resources that Google has to offer. This article was very beneficial to me as a future teacher. I am really excited to use the Google Voice. I think allowing students to hear comments about their writing instead of seeing red marks all over their paper will boost their confidence a little bit more. Many of these tools will help students with their note taking and studying, which is definitely a major part of education. Good studying skills are a necessity to success in school.