Regional School District 13 has launched an ambitious initiative to increase access to technology in and out of the classroom. Strong School has 125 Chromebooks on carts available for classroom use and for 2013-2014, Coginchaug plans to move to a 1:1 device model, with every incoming freshman being issued a Chromebook for school use.
I'm offering a five-week series of after-school training sessions on Wednesday afternoon to prepare teachers to incorporate the new technology in their classrooms. They're open to anyone, but should be of particular interest to teachers of freshmen. Teachers can sign up for as many as they like with the only restriction being on session 5.
Session 1: Google Docs & Drive:
Docs is Google's answer to Microsoft Office or other desktop based productivity software. Users can word-process documents or create slideshows, presentations, forms, surveys and drawings using cloud-software. Google Docs can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection and they enable real-time collaboration and communication--ideal for collaboration student projects.
Google Drive is an online folder in which users can securely store files of any kind and access them from anywhere with an internet connection. Together, these two tools can all but eliminate paper in your classroom. In this session, you will learn how to create, edit, share, and manage files of all kinds using Docs and Drive.
Google Drive is an online folder in which users can securely store files of any kind and access them from anywhere with an internet connection. Together, these two tools can all but eliminate paper in your classroom. In this session, you will learn how to create, edit, share, and manage files of all kinds using Docs and Drive.
Session 2: Chrome Sync and Cloud Apps:
Google's Chrome browser and Chrome Operating System (OS) offer users the ability to make their internet experience seamless across devices and locations. Bookmarks, history, and preferences can follow you wherever you log in. In addition, there is an incredible number of third-party apps that can be 'connected' to Chrome or Drive and used just like desktop software. Graphing calculators, video editors, photo managers, educational games, quiz and flashcard generators and more can be used anywhere with an internet connection. In this session, you will learn how to manage Chrome Sync and cloud-based apps.
Session 3: Google Tools: Earth, Maps and Sites
Everyone has used Google Maps to find their way across town and Google Earth to look at their house from space but they can be used for a lot more. Learn to create 'tours' of interesting sites and incorporate Google Earth and Maps tools into your curriculum. We'll also look at Google Sites, their free website builder and explore same ways it can be of use in your classroom.
Session 4: Collaborating with Google+ and Hangouts
Extend your classroom beyond its walls by using tools such as Google+ and Hangouts to collaborate both within and beyond the class or school community.
Session 5: Collaborative Planning Session
In the final session, we'll review what we have learned and collaborate on ways to bring it into the classroom. To be eligible for this session, you should have been at at least two of the previous ones.
