I have had training in both
blogging and Google, but I still feel like I have a lot to learn. So, it
was nice to have a refresher. Google is something that amazes and
confuses me at the same time. I feel like I learn about one aspect and
then turn around and struggle with another aspect. So I am glad this
course has this as a primary area of focus.
Overall, I think this course will
offer me a lot of ideas that I can incorporate into my classroom experience.
Our school purchased a bunch of chrome books, and I would like to use
them on a regular basis with my Gifted and Talented students. I can also create
a blog specific to my program, which is something I have wanted to do. I
am looking forward to the next session!
Hi Bethany! That is really nice that your school has chrome books for your use. I actually am not familiar with those, are they tablets? My district has purchased several ipads, but as of now they are being used at the elementary schools, not at the high school where I teach. It would be nice to have access to tablets for my students because that would open up different opportunities to incorporate technology into the classroom. Have you actually used the chrome books with your students? And if so, how did you use them? I would also like to create a blog for my students or have them create one on their own for my class. It would be a great reflection tool. In terms of google, what have you all experimented with? I have used g-mail and now drive, but I have never done a hangout before, so Monday hopefully everything goes smoothly! :-)
ReplyDeleteChrome books are laptops that are specifically designed for use with Google. They are cheap for a laptop, approximately $250, so they are more affordable for schools. We use the Chrome books as a mobile lab, specifically in 3rd and 4th grade. They are new to us, but we have already used them to do group work on Google Docs, to practice emails, and even to do some polling responses.
DeleteHi Bethany!
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more about the Chromebooks that your school purchased (what type - brand, model, etc.). I have been thinking of getting a couple for my home. I have an iPad and my husband has a Samsung tablet, but it would be nice for all of us to have something that is easy to carry around instead of bulky laptops.
I loved your statement "I consider myself pretty knowledgeable with technology, but any time I try something new, I enter the process with a little bit of hesitation." I used to be the same way. My husband is a programmer and dabbles in web developing. Before I started back to school in 2003, I wanted to learn HTML. I was so nervous, and not really because of the complexity, but because I was afraid of failing or completely not understanding. After trying several tutorials over a period of a couple of months and barely understanding how to get started, my husband convinced me to spend the weekend with him teaching me. What a difference that made. Now web design is a class I occasionally have the honor of teaching! So when I have a student (or even one my children) tell me that they really want to learn something in regards to technology, but they are nervous about it, I tell them to jump in head first and just remember to take deep breaths and walk away before the frustration takes over. There are so many tutorials, YouTube videos, articles, and websites out there that it is so hard to not understand something these days.
To me, Google is one of those that just as you begin to understand everything they either change it up or add something new. I love it. They started off with just a few items and now they have a little bit of everything. My Engineering Design class uses Google SketchUp to draw a house. And I love being able to use my phone for many of the Google Apps available.
Good luck!!
I totally agree about the ever-changing Google! I have had training a few times, and I still feel like I am behind the technology! I need to borrow your husband!:) It sounds like he has really helped you out a lot. I am not sure what type of Chrome Books we have at our school, but I have really enjoyed using them so far! They are a classroom set in a compact mobile cart, and even our elementary students can use them with ease.
DeleteBethany,
ReplyDeleteThe orange artwork on your blog is interesting, as are your comments about the benefits and struggles of learning about the technology. I have similar reactions. On the one hand: The potential is exciting. On the other hand: The amount of time required to stay up-to-date with all the upgrades and changes is .... overwhelming.
I have a general reaction to reading lengthy responses in any format, whether it be Email, blogs, face book, twitter, etc. I'm always wondering if we - myself included - could be more concise.
Please give me some feedback on my blog bob-maleske.blogspot.com
Oh... one more thing. As someone who had to type in your blog title, I was challenged by the length and by the continuous string of characters without separation between the words. In other words ....
bethanysonlinelearningjourney in contrast to bethanys-online-learning-journey
Something you may find useful (and not part of this course) is using a Google Site with your GT students. That said, many of the things we will cover in this course you will find relevant
ReplyDelete