Google

Even “Littles” Can Use Google Tools

bvinal Educational Technology, Google, Project Based Learning ,

As the end of the school year approaches, I find myself feeling as if there was so much more I could have and should have done. The kids have been so inspiring this year. My student Tech Team was awesome. My Morning Show news crew have become completely self-sufficient. Oh, what even the youngest students can do!

Slide with cat eyes

I use Google Classroom for all of my students (children and adults). My 2nd graders created e-books using Google Slides. Included in that project was masking and cropping images, using capital letters, punctuation and spelling. I’m always amazed at their creativity and how they use their research in a meaningful way. Many of them used Audacity to do an audio version of their “books” so that it could be published for non-readers. Teaching UDL (Universal Design for Learning) to 7 and 8-year-olds. Easy!

Never underestimate what Elementary students can do. They are used to finding ways to be creative if they’re given the tools to create with. Need more ideas about how to use Google Suite of tools with “Littles”? Drop me a line or join one of my summer online classes!

New England Institute for Teacher Education | Technology for Educators Course
Barbara Vinal is a Google for Education Certified Trainer

Need A Break? Try These Cool Tricks!

bvinal Google, Relax

1.Do a Barrel Roll Type “Do a Barrel Roll” into Google Search and the page will do a 360 degree spin. And the same thing happens if you search for “Z or R twice”. 2.Can’t decide? Google to the rescue…… Try “Flip a coin” Need more option, how about “Roll a die”? 3. Atari Breakout […]

via 8 Cool Google Tricks You Must Try!! — Inexorable Spark

Using Google Classroom Starting in 2nd Grade?

bvinal Educational Technology, Google, Professional Development

I’ve been using Google Classroom with 2nd graders since last year. The difference it has made in my technology instruction is amazing! Each student can focus on doing creative work either alone or in collaboration with others no matter where they are.

google_classroom_logoFrom the instructor side, Classroom gives me the ability to control what my students see, where they go, and the images that they use. I can check up on their work throughout the week, even though I only see them once each week. Their homeroom teacher can assign things that are shared between us, so I can truly integrate with what is happening in the classroom.

My second graders can access the Code.org accounts through the Classroom as well. I keep links to Code.org and links to a TIP chart (Term, Information, Picture) in digital form in the ABOUT section of the Classroom for easy access.

My students can navigate through Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Forms easily. They still struggle with spelling, reading a lot of words and following some of the directions, but the grasp the importance of adult communication. They are so excited when they get to collaborate on a document and when I comment on their work.

Google Classroom is a great platform for young and old alike. Professional development works very well in Classroom. Staff development and online courses flow nicely through this simple Suite. Just add Google Groups to the mix and you have a discussion board that is rich with conversation.

Virtual Classrooms are amazing!