Tech in the Classroom: Google Apps
Learn about how we use Google Apps for Education to learn!
What are Google Apps for Education?
Google Apps for Education, or GAFE, refers to the group of Google resources that they will provide to schools. As a GAFE school, our students have access to Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and all of the other Google Apps that come with a Gmail account. What makes GAFE different is the ability for the district to monitor those apps and help keep our students safe. The (in my opinion) best feature is one that combines all of these resources, called Google Classroom. This is the foundation for our GAFE usage.
How does Google Classroom Work?
Google Classroom is allows me, as the educator, to post announcements, digital classroom resources, and assignments to students. I can organize them by subject, add in due dates, share documents that serve as templates for work, and monitor all projects. By adding documents to Google Classroom, I can see what students are working on in an assignment and check in on progress in one place, rather than having students share the documents with me via email. For a closer look, check out this video!
Assignments
For this example, you can see that I've assigned a project and attached a document. In this case, I ask students to make a copy of the document and use specific naming conventions. I can also set it up so that Google will make a copy of the document for each student and rename it using their name or have students upload a blank document.
Viewing Student Work
For privacy reasons, the students name has been blocked out in Red. From the teacher screen, this is how I can view student work. From the assignment page, I click student work and select a student to view this screen. From here, I can leave comments, help make corrections, and give feedback. The student sees it all in a separate color, as it automatically comes through as suggested edits. Using the tools circled in blue at the top, I can quickly and easily change to a different student, either by using the arrow keys or the pull down button to select a specific child.
Sharing Tools
The Classwork page is organized by the teacher for students. I can add assignments to specific categories, or publish resources that remain at the top for general purposes. Students only see areas where assignments have been posted and due dates are displayed on this page, as well as the date posted. This is an easy launch page to help students organize their work as they can open documents associated with assignments through their links on these pages.
Google Classroom Tutorial for Students and Parents