Google Apps

The Google App videos were really interesting; I had no idea that Google Apps does some really neat things. I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have definitely used some of the Google Apps. I am a huge organizational freak, and would have used the Google calendar that is connected the gmail. Albright's email is through gmail which I absolutely love because it allows me to sort my emails and keep everything organized. I created many filters for my email, so that new mail goes into pre-made folders. I sometimes see on the right hand side, add this event to your calendar, but I wasn't sure what exactly that would do. I definitely want to start using the Google calendar. I never leave home without my planner, and having one on the computer would make life a lot easier.

Another thing I like about Google Apps is Google Docs. I think this would have be nice to use in group projects since members of a group can work together in real time on a document, spreadsheet or presentation. There were times when I got partnered with people who were always so busy, and they never had any time to meet in order to complete our project. Google Docs can alleviate this stress, and the group can work on the project together but during different times. I think many Language Arts/English teachers should use Google Docs in their classroom. I think students would definitely like the idea of using technology, and it allows them to collaborate with other students in real-time even if they cannot meet outside of school. I would definitely consider using Google Docs in my classroom.

One of the lesson plans I found was called "Class Collection of Book Reviews." This lesson plan is designed for grades 7-9 in a Language Arts classroom. Students read many pieces of literature throughout the year, so this allows them to write book reviews on books they liked or disliked. The reviews will be kept online in Google Docs, they can be edited anytime, and additional reviews can be submitted. Teachers can use these book reviews to see what pieces of literature were favored, and it can help teachers make decisions when deciding what material to include next year. In order for all the book reviews to look similar, the teacher will have to create a book review template for the students to use. Teachers can also take this one step further and make a list of their favorite books for a suggested summer reading list.

The other lesson I liked was called "Writing for Context, Audience and Purpose." This lesson plan is for grades 10-12 in a Language Arts Classroom. Students often need help deciding who there audience is when writing. This lesson plan allows students to write a weekly classroom newsletter; their audience will be their classmates, the school community and the community as a whole. These newsletters will be published via Google Docs. Each week a student or two will be named the editor, and they will have to evaluate the newsletter paying close attention to the context, audience and purpose. Each student will have a chance to be editor. Once the editors edit the classroom newsletter using Google Docs, the newsletter will be available to the community. This is also a way for parents to stay informed on what is happening in the classroom; they may enjoy this more since it is written from the students' point of view.