When Apple computers were first introduced into schools 40 years ago students were able to use classroom technology for both 协作 and instruction.
Today the classroom technology revolution is run by Google. And the company has made it possible for students to complete all assignments via cloud-based and free technology.
This includes storing and 分享 files, creating and editing Google Docs, slides and forms for quick feedback and interactive 协作. It also means teachers can plan learning experiences that use the file-分享 capabilities of Google 开车 to promote discussion.
“Google Classroom is your mission control for class,” the company states in its marketing materials.
乔·赫兹, an MA in educational technology, who teaches courses on the use of Google in the classroom, says research shows that students prefer working with technology.
“[Students] feel more empowered and comfortable producing with tech,赫兹说:. “[Tech] allows them to easily revise, research and create. That is not to say individual creativity or group creativity using non-tech is unnecessary. Using the tools is one thing – bringing out one’s best depends on the learner and the instructor’s guidance.”
T在这里 are benefits for students and teachers alike. Files can be posted, shared, edited, collaborated on and accessed when time allows. The storage, 分享 and compatibility issues of pre-开车 are gone. File management is simple.
“The focus shifts to content and creativity and thus more opportunity for student success,赫兹说:. “Teachers can effectively encourage and inspire student productivity and success using 开车. They can comment as work is in progress or provide feedback later.
“Students can collaborate with peers on shared assignments using the same commenting features as well as working on their section of an assignment,”他补充道.
Perhaps the most beneficial 开车 feature, Herz says, is the ability to collaborate. 开车 allows quick support and guidance to help students meet assignment objectives. Reluctant or troubled students may otherwise fall further behind.
谷歌是免费的. Budget limitations, however, might still come into play depending on the school. The question remains, what is enough when it comes to technology?
Some classrooms have full sets of tablets or laptops, others only a few. Other schools allow students to bring their own devices. Still others might have computer labs or media centers with computers.
“T在这里 remains a digital divide — haves, have-some, have-very little,赫兹说:. “Not all schools have reliable wifi. Teachers must leverage all available tools to infuse 开车 usage into their curriculum.”
For his upcoming course, Herz says he will focus on both using the tools, how to implement the tools and more. This includes a basic understanding of cloud technology — the production of 开车 documents, 分享, 协作, managing documents and application to a curriculum.
“What hasn’t changed since the first Apple computers in schools 40 years ago is that the tools are still tools,赫兹说:. “How to effectively use tools such as 开车 to help students learn, 显示知识, communicate and become responsible digital citizens hasn’t changed.”
If interested in learning more about this topic, click 在这里 to view the class description, syllabus and sign up for the course.
