Short Description
We begin our presentation with an overview of Google Tools and the benefits of using them in your classroom. We will also discuss the pros and cons of using Google Tools. We will discuss methods to increase student access to information, decrease workloads, and create collaborative opportunities. The second part of this presentation will present a hands-on session that will help you work with the tools. We will cover Google Docs, Reader, Sites, and Calendar.
Purpose of presentation
With the current economic times, budgets are feeling the strain, as are teachers and faculty in both K-12 and Higher Education settings. With web 2.0 tools, specifically Google Tools, we are empowered to use the technology to decrease our budgets, create a paperless environment, and introduce collaborative learning environments into our curriculum.
The researchers work to empower teachers to embrace our digital natives and create a world of digital immigrants that are comfortable with the technologies and are given new opportunities to empower their students to reach new heights. Students often feel that they must ‘power-down’ when they enter the classroom. It is our desire and passion to help teachers and faculty feel comfortable with these learners. In order for our students to compete in the current job market, they must be cross-trained in all aspects of life and their curriculum with technology. Those who can meet the demands of the current job market will reach the highest levels of success. When we keep students away from technology, due to fear and lack of training, we take away opportunities that are readily available overseas.
Objectives of the presentation
Part 1 of this presentation works to:
• empower faculty/teachers to take control of their classrooms
• introduce collaborative learning environments into your curriculum
• create collaborative communities of practice among cooperative teachers
• create a paperless learning environment
Part 1 of this presentation is a theoretical introduction to Google Tools. We will share our classroom sites and other examples of practical uses of the technologies. Attendees will leave this seminar/session with resources found on Google docs.
Part 2 of this presentation works to:
• present Google Documents and gives pros and cons as compared to Microsoft Word
• present Google Spreadsheets and gives pros and cons as compared to Microsoft Excel
• present Google Presentations and gives pros and cons as compared to Microsoft PowerPoint
• present blogging as a method of reflection for both students and faculty
• present Google Reader as a method of managing blogs
• present Google Calendar as a method of organizing classes and curriculum
• present Google Sites as a wysiwyg method of creating websites
Part 2 of this presentation is a hands-on seminar that will allow attendees the opportunity to create accounts and begin the process of creating digital resources. Attendees will leave this seminar/session with working models of the aforementioned tools.
Practical applications
Faculty can use the tools to create collaborative opportunities that previously were more difficult to set-up. Students can collaborate with other students throughout the US and worldwide. Students are given the opportunity to work in collaborative groups without regard to other team members’ schedules, opening up opportunities and engagement. Faculty can keep all resources digital and can carry their documents from computer to computer. Students and faculty enjoy access to documents from the web which leads to lighter backpacks, lower copy costs, reduces lost homework or hand-outs, and keeps parents informed with access to all curriculum materials. Lesson plans are stored online and are easily accessible to substitutes and other faculty members. These tools give you immediate access from either the office or home, making grading portable and paperless.
Relationship to the conference theme
Web 2.0 tools increase the accessibility to collaborative opportunities leading to engaged students and a more involved parent support system. Everyone benefits from the use of Google tools. Students can work on projects with students at different locations across the world increasing engagement, collaboration, social connections, and cultural knowledge via new medias to which our students are native.
Information (data or theoretical base) to support what is advocated.
The researchers have integrated these resources into the classroom over a 5-year time period. The benefits of the tools and the pedagogy is well documented and tested with a great number of students, and with personal use in our curriculum.
Presenters
Sandie H Waters
Dr. Sandie Waters is an Assistant Professor in the Elementary Education Department at Utah Valley University, former Adjunct Faculty and Distance Learning Endorsement Coordinator in the Instructional Technology Department at Utah State University, and Program Coordinator of the Intern Program of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. She has previously taught and conducted research at Indiana University, Bloomington, Utah State University, and Utah Valley University.
Dr Waters’ research focuses on the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into schools and higher education, the impact of Web 2.0 technologies on collaboration and creativity, and socially responsible open education. She has taught Distance Education, Technology Integration, Computers in Education, Foundations of Education, Projects in Instructional Technology, Practicum in Distance Education, Web 2.0 Tools in Education, and Learning Theory. She is currently working on ‘backpack’ technologies and will begin working with schools, principals, tech coordinators, IT specialists, and teachers to empower them to bring 21st Century Technological Tools into Utah’s educational system in Summer 2009. She is currently writing a book regarding Web 2.0 and backpack technologies to be published by an open publisher.
Dr Waters’ personal interests include Karate (1st Degree Black Belt), Life Coaching, bicycling, hiking, blogging , facebooking, texting, IMing, and of course my friends.
Suzy Cox
Dr. Suzy Cox is an Assistant Professor in the Elementary Education Department at Utah Valley University. She has previously taught and conducted research at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.
Dr. Cox’s research focuses on learner-centered teaching, brain-based teaching, the efficacy of Web 2.0 tools, and differentation of instruction with technology. She has taught Educational Psychology, Technology Integration, Curriculum, Assessment, and workshops in technology and learner-centered teaching. She is currently working on articles stemming from her dissertation on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, a Presidential Scholar Award study on the psychology of Facebook, UVU’s Web 2.0 initiative, and a number of professional blogs and sites.
Her personal interests including spending time with her family, running, reading, and exploring new technologies.
