Currently, the tools I consistently utilize in my classroom are all Google applications. I am definitely looking forward to expanding my horizons outside of Google in this class! The most useful tool I use is Google Classroom. This is my second year using Google Classroom, and it has made a big difference in my classroom.
When I first used Google Classroom last year, I used it in its most basic form. I first did it as a way to make it easier for my students to get on other websites we used in class (i.e. Khan Academy, Typing.com, Prodigy, etc.). Once they had their gmail accounts and were linked into my Google Classroom, I could have them join these sites via a class code. I then began using creating assignments on my Google Classroom. An example of an assignment is a Google Sheet designed for gathering information on the California Missions. These are the only components of Google Classroom I used last year. This year, I have learned how to create Google Forms, which has been very valuable. I have used Google Forms to learn how they are understanding a concept, and as a way to check in on their growth mindset. I have used Google Forms for many different subjects, and appreciate the quick, effective way it gives me data as the teacher. It is so helpful to see the graphs generated with the student responses. I assign Google Forms on my Google Classroom. I continue to create assignments for the students to complete and turn in. I learned how to share videos for students to watch as well. A troubleshooting area was the “Comments” section. Students can write comments on assignments that can be seen by the whole class. It is important to have a discussion on respectful commenting, to frequently check these comments, or to turn the commenting off in Settings. I have assigned an Interactive Journal via Google Classrooms. It is something I purchased off of Teachers Pay Teachers, and it is a Google Slide Deck filled with over 70 prompts that have fun graphics on each slide. It is great because I can open up each individual child’s journal and write notes to them, or suggest edits. This has been a new, interactive way I have used Google Classroom on an individual level with students. They also love to share their journals with the class on our Bright Link Board. I have really enjoyed Google Classroom, and I am looking forward to using new tech tools in my classroom this year!
4 Comments
Jona Sandau
2/24/2019 05:33:12 pm
Wow, Jennifer--it sounds like you are a super tech hero with your Google Classroom! I am just beginning to learn it and your blog is getting me really jazzed about it! I am trying to visualize how the interactive journal would work, and how you can view their slide decks. It sounds really cool that you can embed videos, too. I am really envisioning how neat it would be if I could get proficient on this to share it with my teachers. Right now, I know that our fifth grade team is using Google Classroom at my site, but I am not sure who else is. Perhaps they can help me to present something to the staff. Now only to find the time! Thank you so much for sharing all of your uses--it has really inspired me!
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Monica Knecht
2/24/2019 09:32:30 pm
I feel like you are getting a jump on the Google Classroom since the students you have now will really be able to have some time to get to know and understand how to use it before they experience it regularly in middle school. You are really doing your kids a service by preparing them for what is to come and how to survive in middle school.
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Scott Marsden
2/25/2019 05:23:44 pm
Jennifer,
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Catalina Goldstein
2/27/2019 07:05:47 pm
You're definitely setting the bar high. This is also my second year using google classroom but I'm way behind you. An interactive journal must be such a great way for the students to learn writing. Putting it on my list to dive into now.
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