Google Sites and Google Docs Reflection
I feel that I learned a lot of valuable information during this week’s class. Although I consider myself a “digital native,” I still have so much to learn. Google Sites and Google Docs make technology very easy to use, purposeful, and collaborative. I have had some experience in using Google tools, however I failed to realize the potential the programs have. My personal Gmail account has been used solely for email correspondence and the calendar feature up until this point. However, I look forward to exploring the additional features and working collaboratively with my team while using Google Docs. Also, I am eager to create classroom website using Google Sites.
In 2010, the school district I worked in switched to Google for Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Doc features. It really revolutionized the way that the staff was able to communicate and collaborate. During this time I was team-teaching in Kindergarten. My teaching partner and I needed to collaborate on everything; however our after-school schedules were vastly different. We used Google Docs to work collaboratively on things like lesson plans, projects, and new units from home, and at our own pace. Another great feature that was used was Google Calendar. Using Google Calendar, teachers and administrators were able to invite staff to meetings or send out deadline reminders instantly. The information could be stored on each person’s Google Calendar for reference. I have since moved to a different district where Google is not used, and has been a hard transition for me. I have gone back to using a jump drive and a personal calendar.
One feature that I look forward to using in Google Docs is the forms element. On Tuesday we spent time creating our own form or survey. Although I worked with Google Docs before, I had never tried creating a form. I feel this tool will be incredibly useful for me once I have a fully functioning classroom website. I will be able to post surveys for parents and families to gain useful information and feedback regarding my students and their learning.
Another exciting tool that I am looking forward to utilizing is Google Sites. I haven’t seen or used this tool before, but it was so easy to set up that I feel it is a very practical way to create a classroom website. I am new to my school district, so I am unsure if I will be able to use Google Sites, or if I will be required to use the program that the district purchased for teachers to design web pages. I am always looking for ways to enhance and better the way that I communicate with my students’ families and a weekly classroom newsletter isn’t always enough. A Google Site has the capability of providing families with so many valuable information and resources.
