Expanding My Digital Toolbox: Exploring Google Apps in Education

 Before completing this assignment, I believe that I would be considered a novice with Google. While I had dabbled in various Google apps, I wasn't fully aware of the diverse ways they could be seamlessly integrated into the classroom setting. As a college student, I've accumulated extensive experience with Google Slides, Docs, Sites, and Classroom, employing them for various assignments throughout my post-secondary career. Google Classroom, in particular, has been a staple in my academic journey, both as a student and during my practicum placement. I anticipate utilizing this app in my future classroom owing to its accessibility and productivity, as it facilitates the organization of resources and assignments through user-friendly folders. A notable feature I discovered during my last practicum was the ability to easily track the status of student assignments, streamlining the assessment process.

 

After completing this assignment, I found myself more familiar with Google Forms. I believe that this app will be useful in my future classroom. I can use this app for formative and summative assessments across all subjects. Inspired by the SAMR model article, I conceived an innovative use for a formative assessment/ studying tool. Students could work in pairs or groups, creating practice questions for upcoming tests. This not only serves as a study tool but also allows me to identify areas needing further attention before an actual exam. It's a dynamic way to engage students in the learning and studying process.

 

As I delved into the exploration of various Google apps, several caught my eye for further investigation, such as Jam board, Arts and Culture, and Coggle. These apps can aid my future classroom a great deal I believe. Jamboard presents diverse applications, from facilitating class collaboration to serving as a non-intimidating formative assessment tool. I could use Jamboard at the beginning of a lesson asking questions about previous lessons and asking them to write the answers in post-it notes. This allows the teacher to see what level of understanding the students have completed. Arts and Culture, with its rich content, is a goldmine for social studies and art classes. This app provides students with a platform to explore different artists, mediums, and historical events and figures. Additionally, there are also many games involving puzzles, trivia, music, and colouring. These games can serve as an entertaining way to connect with art and music curricula or as a refreshing brain break for the students. Coggle, with its unique format, provides an alternative medium for assessments and class collaboration. I foresee using this app as a valuable tool in preparing students for tests, particularly in subjects like social studies or science, where organizing ideas visually can enhance understanding.

 

As I reflect on the potential of these Google apps, I am eagerly anticipating the number of assessments and opportunities they will bring to my future classroom. The dynamic and interactive nature of these tools aligns with the evolving landscape of education, fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment. I’m excited to explore more tools that will transform the way I teach and students learn in the digital world!