Google Tools

In the spirit of a new year, new blog, and new things, the classes in Room #63 utilized a NEW instrument for some assessment and response. Using GoogleDocs a form was created to collect student answers. The created form was embedded into the teacher webpage and students accessed it through the school homepage.

Operation

Using this process were were able to provide the students an assessment instrument without having to use the copying machine and paper. This system also allowed students who were absent to still access the material in a timely fashion without having to miss additional class time to make up an exam. They were able to do this via an Internet connection at home and still participate in the daily activities of the class.

From a teacher perspective I was able to gather all the student data and responses in a single spreadsheet for each class and did not have to worry about re-distributing exams. Student confidentiality was maintained since there was no papers moving about with grades and names attached.

Outcome

The result was an interactive experience that students enjoyed. It was a NEW experience for most. It enabled them to both get acquainted with new technologies, and participate in a paperless classroom experience.



The technology component made this enjoyable for all since the students desire to use and implement new technologies.

The Beginning

Overview

Throughout this first week back we have slowly introduced some of the technology tools we will be using this year. The first tool we set up, introduced, and explored was Edmodo. This is an private interactive micro-blogging social platform that provides an environment allowing for the sharing of ideas, files, and assignments in real time.

Operation

We utilized this in an introductory manner this week to give students a feel of the process and nature of micro-blogging and discussion. Edmodo allows for both teacher and student to post their own notes and respond to notes through comments. For the teacher it provides for document file sharing, assignment delivery, embedding and linking for other collaboration and interaction. During our first attempts students were given a short period of time to explore Edmodo and experience some of the interactive components that it has to offer, such as the polling feature.

Outcome

We all are really excited about what we will be able to do and accomplish with Edmodo, and looking forward to the interaction and collaboration within the classroom that it provides. Edmodo has brought a different perspective to many of the students about the role technology can play in education. The usefulness in the classroom is tremendous, and we are fortunate to have the technological capabilities here at HCS to implement this into content instruction.