I have been a big fan of using Google as a search tool for a long time now. The fast, convenient access to images, videos, websites etc., have proven very useful for me. I have used Google to text questions or directions from my phone - (just text your restaurant name or whatever to 466453) I have used Google Earth to explore the planet in more ways than one - sometimes just to spy on my family in Michigan - or rather imagine myself on the lake with them. For this course I have up-ed my Google usage by utilizing Google Reader and Google Docs. Google Reader has proven to be AWESOME to keep up with all my classmates blog postings. I like the ease at which I can jump to a blog page and add a comment without going to each blog first. I have also 'starred' a few of your postings when your links seem useful for checking into a later time.
I have not added any more than the ones needed to read for this class (except for one personal friend and NOAA), but I would like to expand my blog lurking (I like this term coined by others) in the future. I can see how this would useful to use for selecting and reading news that I am interested in, rather than wading through all of my email updates, news sites, etc.
Now for Google Docs - What a cool concept. I of course had heard of it before, but never took the time to utilize it. My husband has also learned of its usefulness recently to edit a Power Point with some of his Master's classmates. So, I had him give me a little tutorial in editing and sharing documents. There have been dozens of instances in the past where this tool would have been incredibly useful at my school in sharing and editing a million things with my colleagues. The usefulness of it with students in and out of the classroom is also great - mind has been spinning with ways to apply this next year - which is why I made a Google Doc called 'lessons using google docs' and am able to add to it whenever, wherever I am. The joy of NOT worry about a thumb drive anymore is awesome.
2 comments:
Hu T, I am anxious to check these new Google apps out,. Thanks.
DAD
I'm glad that you are starting to play with Google Docs. I've used it a lot over the past two years in the classroom and have my students turn in all essays and presentations through it. I didn't think I'd like it at first because I like to be able to mark up papers, but it actually makes the process easier because you can add a lot more text more easily. It also has time stamps on it, so you can tell when your students completed the work. I also have students share with each other so they can collaborate and peer edit. Great tool!
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