I LOVE working on things within the Google Cloud and using the various Apps! I have researched and explored a bit with other sites such as Dropbox and Sky Drive, but found Google to be my favorite because it allows me to work on something without having to download it to my computer. This is great because I don't have to download the document, edit it, and then upload the document once again for others to see the changes. The availability to edit it as a group and the fact that it saves as you go puts this ahead of others for me.
I have not used the "comment" access before. This would be great to use when you would prefer to be the one editing the document or don't want things changed quite yet, someone could leave a comment to provide suggestions. I also think it would be great for student writing. They could share the document with myself and their peers, and we could provide feedback without changing the document. This is easy to access, edit, and share!
Unfortunately, I did not realize until the end of the year that all elementary students have emails (this piece I knew) in which they are only allowed to receive incoming mail (this piece I also knew), but they DO have access to all Google Apps! <----- This was a wonderful surprise! This is great because this past year I had students signing up for a Gmail address to access these Apps, but this year they already will have the emails set up. Having the Cloud makes it easier for students to share their work in class, access it anywhere, and share their work with their peers and teachers. Clearly, I am excited about having this available to all students next year (or just really tired). Woo hoo! :)
Cloud Computing: Fraction Review
Thanks for showing me the many ways you use google docs! I can't wait to learn more from you!
ReplyDeleteI love these two tools as well. I am hoping to have my students try taxedo this year. This would be a good way to have my students learn new words, practice vocab, spelling etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments on comparing the different options for cloud computing. There are so many tools available, and the creators of this class tried to choose a variety that would serve teachers well, but there are so many to choose from.
ReplyDelete2 things I learned from you: the benefit of google docs over dropbox (i'm a dropbox sometimes user), and the pros of using the comments-only access to maintain the integrity of the document when you're the "owner." THANKS KATIE!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the fractions review piece. I am going to try having my students self-assess their learning and confidence with each skill as you did. Traditionally, I will do this at the beginning or end of a lesson, but not throughout.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the specific tips on using cloud-computing is appreciated.
I think it's great that you're incorporating these tools at the elementary level. I've found that while our students are 'technology natives' having grown up around it their entire lives, they are not very proficient with the tools. They are consumers of content, not always creators. Teaching them how to use Google Apps and working in the cloud is truly a necessary skill in our world today.
ReplyDeleteWhile I prefer Google Docs, one very useful aspect of Dropbox is that if you don't want to work with a specific Google App, (for example a Powerpoint presentation) you can save it in the cloud and not worry about file duplicity--or worry about uploading it to your Google account every time you edit the document.
I think it´s great that students will be able to see how others are solving these problems. And the document should be an easy to way to check on their progress. Thanks for showing a great example of how to use Google Docs.
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