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This was my first attempt at using Google Slides. I made an eight page slideshow which we can use as an introductory lesson for our Languages connect Spanish programme. This will also link in with the Google form/quiz I made in the earlier module. Google Workspace Tools for Blended Learning
Over the last few years, using tech in education has completely changed how we teach and learn. One set of tools that has really made a difference for me is Google Workspace, especially Google Slides, Groups, Classroom, and Meet. These will be game-changers in making learning more interactive, collaborative, and flexible.1. Google Slides for Cool Digital Stories: (although the mind mapping was very laborious!)
Google Slides is fabulous for creating interactive digital stories. You can throw in pictures, videos, and links to make the story come alive. Sharing these stories with students makes lessons way more engaging. Plus, students can jump in and collaborate, adding comments, suggestions, or even their own slides, which I need to discover more about.This really sparks their creativity and makes them feel part of the process.2. Google Classroom for Keeping Things Organized:
Google Classroom will totally changed how I manage my interactions with staff. It’s like a one-stop-shop for posting assignments, announcements, and resources. Students and teachers can easily find what they need, submit their work, and get feedback. For teachers, grading and tracking progress is so much simpler. Everything is stored in Google Drive, so it’s all secure and accessible from anywhere, which is perfect for blending in-person and online learning.3. Google Meet for Staying Connected:
Google Meet could begreat for live lessons and discussions. With features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording, it’s very versatile. Even when students can’t be there in person, Meet makes sure learning continues and it may help group project work.4. Google Groups for Working Together:
Google Groups is perfect for collaborative learning. It lets us set up discussion forums for group projects, peer reviews, and class discussions. This builds a sense of community and lets students learn from each other. Since these discussions can happen anytime, it’s great for students who need more time to think things through.Looking Ahead
Moving forward, I see Google Workspace tools being key to blended learning. They support a mix of face-to-face and online interactions, fitting different learning styles and needs. The collaborative features encourage active learning and critical thinking. For example, using Google Slides for projects helps students develop digital skills and creativity. Google Classroom and Meet ensure that learning continues smoothly, even if we can’t be in the classroomhttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQ6RtzsWe0D8DmP9M4nsa2b0usl76Rp6BAlZnmdfXYnl4hzE_IYJMhgHUJz08_r2ef1PL9kUOafoSRv/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000
This was my first attempt at using Google Slides. I made an eight page slideshow which we can use as an introductory lesson for our Languages connect Spanish programme. This will also link with the Google form/quiz I made in the earlier module.Over the last few years, using tech in education has completely changed how we teach and learn. One set of tools that has really made a difference for me is Google Workspace, especially Google Slides, Groups, Classroom, and Meet. These will be game-changers in making learning more interactive, collaborative, and flexible.1. Google Slides is great for Cool Digital Stories: (even though I found the min-mapping very laborious!)
Google Slides is fabulous for creating interactive digital stories. You can throw in pictures, videos, and links to make the story come alive. Sharing these stories with students makes lessons way more engaging. Students can also jump in and collaborate, adding comments, suggestions, or even their own slides, which is something I need to explore further. This really sparks their creativity and makes them feel part of the process.2. Google Classroom for Keeping Things Organized:
Google Classroom will totally changed how I manage my interactions with staff. It’s like a one-stop-shop for posting assignments, announcements, and resources. Students and teachers can easily find what they need, submit their work, and get feedback. For teachers, grading and tracking progress is so much simpler. Everything is stored in Google Drive, so it’s all secure and accessible from anywhere, which is perfect for blending in-person and online learning.3. Google Meet for Staying Connected:
Google Meet could be great for live lessons and discussions. With features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording, it’s very versatile. Even when students can’t be there in person, Meet makes sure learning continues and it may help group project work. We’ve used Zoom previously so it’s interesting to see the alternatives available.4. Google Groups for Working Together:
Google Groups is perfect for collaborative learning. It lets us set up discussion forums for group projects, peer reviews, and class discussions. This builds a sense of community and lets students learn from each other. Since these discussions can happen anytime, it’s great for students who need more time to think things through.Moving forward, I see Google Workspace tools being key to blended learning or for more interactive engaging classroom lessons. They support a mix of face-to-face and online interactions, fitting different learning styles and needs. The collaborative features encourage active learning and critical thinking. For example, using Google Slides for projects helps students develop digital skills and creativity. Google Classroom and Meet ensure that learning continues smoothly, even if we can’t be in the classroom.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQ6RtzsWe0D8DmP9M4nsa2b0usl76Rp6BAlZnmdfXYnl4hzE_IYJMhgHUJz08_r2ef1PL9kUOafoSRv/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000
This was my first attempt at using Google Slides. I made an eight page slideshow which we can use as an introductory lesson for our Languages connect Spanish programme. This will also link in with the Google form/quiz I made in the earlier module.Reflecting on Google Workspace Tools for Blended Learning
Over the last few years, using tech in education has completely changed how we teach and learn. One set of tools that has really made a difference for me is Google Workspace, especially Google Slides, Groups, Classroom, and Meet. These will be game-changers in making learning more interactive, collaborative, and flexible.Making Teaching and Learning Better with Google Workspace
1. Google Slides for Cool Digital Stories: (although the min maps were very laborious.
Google Slides is fabulous for creating interactive digital stories. You can throw in pictures, videos, and links to make the story come alive. Sharing these stories with students makes lessons way more engaging. Plus, students can jump in and collaborate, adding comments, suggestions, or even their own slides., which i need to explore more.This really sparks their creativity and makes them feel part of the process.2. Google Classroom for Keeping Things Organized:
Google Classroom will totally changed how I manage my interactions with staff. It’s like a one-stop-shop for posting assignments, announcements, and resources. Students and teachers can easily find what they need, submit their work, and get feedback. For teachers, grading and tracking progress is so much simpler. Everything is stored in Google Drive, so it’s all secure and accessible from anywhere, which is perfect for blending in-person and online learning.3. Google Meet for Staying Connected:
Google Meet could begreat for live lessons and discussions. With features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording, it’s very versatile. Even when students can’t be there in person, Meet makes sure learning continues and it may help group project work.4. Google Groups for Working Together:
Google Groups is perfect for collaborative learning. It lets us set up discussion forums for group projects, peer reviews, and class discussions. This builds a sense of community and lets students learn from each other. Since these discussions can happen anytime, it’s great for students who need more time to think things through.Moving forward, I see Google Workspace tools being key to blended learning. They support a mix of face-to-face and online interactions, fitting different learning styles and needs. The collaborative features encourage active learning and critical thinking. For example, using Google Slides for projects helps students develop digital skills and creativity. Google Classroom and Meet ensure that learning continues smoothly, even if we can’t be in the classroom
https://forms.gle/AXcT2GMNwmy6x6EJ6
The academic paper we were required to review entitled ‘ Formative assessment and self-regulated learning’ (Dylan William 2014) was a reflection on ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment FOR learnin’g. This links in very well with the use of Google Forms and Quizzes as a tool for assessment in both of these ways.
I was relieved to hear that ‘assessment for learning’ is a term that was only coined in 1986 (the year I began my teacher education, as it was a term I have only become familiar with in the past ten years or so.
“The earliest use of the term “assessment for learning” appears to be as the title of a chapter by Harry Black (1986). ” (William , 2014)
I love how Google quizzes allow immediate feedback to pupils for self-assessment but also allow the teacher an opportunity to provide individualised and specific feedback to individual pupils.
I had used Google Forms in the past for parent/staff and pupil surveys, but never for a quiz. I spent far more time than I should have done though playing around with the effects and actually enjoyed this assignment very much. It was marvellous to be able to view the previous quizzes linked by other participants. I really enjoyed Jen’s Tráth na gCeist as Gaeilge Quiz and the Titanic Quiz and I will encourage our teachers to use Google forms/Quizzes in the new term
My quiz is a simple language quiz on phrases and vocabulary in Spanish. Our school has been involved in teaching Spanish for the past three years through the Languages Connect programme. A tool such as Google forms/Quiz is an ideal assessment tool to encompass assessment of learning and also assessment for learning so the teachers can see which areas may need to be taught in a different way or to see how some students may need extra help or differentiation. I hadn’t used Sheets before but will definitely use it going forward for the collation of data from surveys and forms.The paper posits the idea of ‘transforming’ education globally. However, it also states that any transformation must be meaningful! I also note that the paper was supported by Microsoft so there is a possibility of some unconscious bias. Having said that my own daughter works for Microsoft and was educated in primary school with very little focus on IT or student-led activities. While I concur with the findings that the 21CLD or key competencies must be front and centre of our educational ecosystem, I am very much of the opinion that the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy and indeed people skills are best taught at junior primary level, without an overdependence on IT. Of course, this is just my personal and anecdotal opinion and not backed by the research put forward in this paper.
The skill I have chosen to focus on for this exercise is ‘Skilled Communication, as our school has been part of the Languages Connect programme for the past three years where the pupils of 5th and 6th class have had the opportunity to learn Spanish. I intended to use Jamboard (mentioned in this course, which I hadn’t used before) as a tool for the pupils to develop mini-projects on an aspect of language learned. However, when I opened Jamboard yesterday there was a message from Google to say Jamboard will finish on October 1, 2024. Therefore the tools I would use in Google Workspace for this project would be Google Slides and Google Meet, so the children could work in groups outside of school , when collaborating on the projects.
Google Classroom is ideal as a tool to facilitate the idea of a flipped classroom pedagogical model. My school had been using SEESAW, but the cost of the full version had become prohibitive and it wasn’t really used by senior classes.
Google Classroom allows teachers to design a learner-centered course,
to learn about Universal Use, provide accessible teaching strategies and to make our classes more inclusive. It can engage students (e.g., through gamification or other tools) and rebuild students’ connection to our classes at home.
It gets students actively involved and can make classes more engaging. I love how it can help develop a reflective teaching practice, using the assessment tools and rubrics. A key feature I will promote with my staff is the use of collaborative teaching, where a teachers’ class can facilitate collaboration.
As I do not teach a class currently, I set up a virtual classroom and also a virtual ‘Teachers’ Class’
Google Classroom offers a seamless integration of educational tools that enhance both teaching and learning experiences. By setting up a virtual class, I can organize staff materials, streamline communication, and manage feedback efficiently. This digital environment fosters collaboration and engagement among teachers and staff, enabling them to access resources and complete tasks from anywhere, at any time.
Also the use of Class Drive for eportfolios ensures that all necessary materials are centralized and easily accessible. This reduces the clutter and confusion often associated with managing physical documents and promotes a more organized approach to learning.My class invites are as follows;
MODULE 1
Hi all, I’m Maria from Waterford.
As an administrative principal I have quite a bit of prior experience with the School Self-Evaluation process. However, this course has brought my attention to the fact that there’s a new document which covers the process to 2027, which I hadn’t read previously so I’m delighted with this resource.
Watching the course contents makes me realise how we, as a school need to re evaluate our Digital Learning plan, which we drew up using the 6 step SSE process a few years ago. However, it’s definitely time for reflection and review, Step 6-monitor actions and evaluate impact.
I was totally unaware of the existence of the Resources for Educators available available through Google’s Teacher Education centre. What an amazing array of resources! I could spend hours and hours and hours browing these alone!
As a school we are opening our first Special Class for Autistic learners in September. Many of these pupils have highly developed individual interests, so I’ll be delighted to bring the class teacher’s attention to the following resource, which we will use as a small part of Digital Technology in our classroom to enhance student learning. https://artsandculture.google.com/
Discovering the wealth of resources in various museums around the world will be a wonderful springboard for the Primary Language curriculum, oral language and creative writing, particularly with daily spotlights and Resources of the Day , like the following https://artsandculture.google.com/, which will tap into indivual pupils’ specialised interests.
We will apply School Self Evaluation Guidelines to our teaching in the special class, by listening to the voices of the teachers, parents and pupils themselves in formulating suitable lessons, using Google for Educators resources. Every single step listed below will be essential for planning in our new classroom.
Step 1: Identify focus. (Target setting for pupils)
Step 2: Gather evidence. (Use of questionnaires)
Step 3: Analyse and make judgements. (Teacher’s prior knowledge and collaboration)
Step 4: Write and share report and improvement plan. (Share IEP with parents)
Step 5: Put improvement plan into action. (Termly plans)
Step 6: Monitor actions and evaluate impact. (Review of IEP)