Challenge: Google Docs

Challenge: Google Docs

What did you create, and why? I really didn't need to create a document today. What I really needed to do was to practice with some of the features of Google Docs that I hadn't used before. I created a mish-mash of features that I hadn't used in Google Docs before, or I hadn't used well.

What went well for you? I really liked the research tool. I loved how it added the source information right onto my document. I also liked using the Voice to Type feature and the Translation feature. It left a bit to be desired, but was pretty impressive.

What was challenging? I didn't quite get the Table of Contents figured out. I also need more practice with tables.

What did you enjoy? I really enjoyed just getting to play with different features.

What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, etc? I want to do more collaborative work with teachers using Google Docs.

Challenge: Google Docs

Challenge: Google Docs

What did you create, and why? I really didn't need to create a document today. What I really needed to do was to practice with some of the features of Google Docs that I hadn't used before. I created a mish-mash of features that I hadn't used in Google Docs before, or I hadn't used well.

What went well for you? I really liked the research tool. I loved how it added the source information right onto my document. I also liked using the Voice to Type feature and the Translation feature. It left a bit to be desired, but was pretty impressive.

What was challenging? I didn't quite get the Table of Contents figured out. I also need more practice with tables.

What did you enjoy? I really enjoyed just getting to play with different features.

What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, etc? I want to do more collaborative work with teachers using Google Docs.

Challenge: Google Sheets

Challenge: Google Sheets

• What did you create, and why? I created a spreadsheet with the names of the students in English 12 STEM who will be competing in STEM Competitions during the second semester.
• What went well for you? The form was simple enough for a beginner like me, but one that I really need.
• What was challenging? I have no spreadsheet skills - neither with Sheets nor Excel. I really struggle with them, but it hasn't been a big deal because I've so rarely had to use them. Now that I'm in a new position as a TOSA, I find that I have a real need to be proficient with spreadsheets, The challenge is that I feel like I'm starting as a complete beginner and I need to be better, soon! Another challenge is that there are so, so many different features to use in Sheets (or Excel) that it's a little overwhelming.
• What did you enjoy? I enjoyed feeling like I accomplished something. I genuinely need this spreadsheet next week. I enjoyed being okay with not having to know everything at once. I felt confident doing what I did.
• What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families? I will share this particular document with the two English 12 STEM teachers and have them update student participation in the competitions. I need this information so that I can make bus and registration fee arrangements on a regular basis. In a few months I'll be managing the Sheet generated by the Google Forms for the STEM Expo Registration. That will be a huge and complex undertaking for me, but not for someone who knows how to use it well.

Challenge: Google Sheets

Challenge: Google Sheets

• What did you create, and why? I created a spreadsheet with the names of the students in English 12 STEM who will be competing in STEM Competitions during the second semester.
• What went well for you? The form was simple enough for a beginner like me, but one that I really need.
• What was challenging? I have no spreadsheet skills - neither with Sheets nor Excel. I really struggle with them, but it hasn't been a big deal because I've so rarely had to use them. Now that I'm in a new position as a TOSA, I find that I have a real need to be proficient with spreadsheets, The challenge is that I feel like I'm starting as a complete beginner and I need to be better, soon! Another challenge is that there are so, so many different features to use in Sheets (or Excel) that it's a little overwhelming.
• What did you enjoy? I enjoyed feeling like I accomplished something. I genuinely need this spreadsheet next week. I enjoyed being okay with not having to know everything at once. I felt confident doing what I did.
• What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families? I will share this particular document with the two English 12 STEM teachers and have them update student participation in the competitions. I need this information so that I can make bus and registration fee arrangements on a regular basis. In a few months I'll be managing the Sheet generated by the Google Forms for the STEM Expo Registration. That will be a huge and complex undertaking for me, but not for someone who knows how to use it well.

Challenge: Google Forms

Link to my Google Form:  http://goo.gl/forms/T9sgjjgDtP 

Reflection:

• What did you create, and why? I created a survey to send to students who have registered for the STEM Expo, but have indicated that they have a component in their project that should have had prior permission for inclusion. It is a way to double check that students and teachers are following the required safety and ethics guidelines with their work.
• What went well for you? I liked the Google Apps Training and Help. I also liked that the New Google Forms were easy enough to figure out for 80% of what I need to know.
• What was challenging? I still have some questions. I will be bringing these to the Open Lab Time tomorrow.
• Is there an "undo" option? I could have used that a couple times.
• Aaargh! Why doesn't Google Forms allow me to use the "continue to section" feature in modes other than multi-choice or choose-from-a-list? I wish I had more control over that. It took me a long time to reorganize my question sets to get what I wanted.
• Don't like the way the work page bounces around when I select question type. It's distracting.
• How can I change the font, add italics, etc.?
• What does "data validation" mean? 
• What is the easiest way to find all of my google forms in my google drive. I'd like to be able to pull them all up together.
• Where to google forms get stored by default?
• Not sure what Label I should use for this blog - going to just go with "google" because forms isn't an option.
• What did you enjoy? I LOVE learning how to use GAfE on my own time, when I need to know how to use it, but also knowing that you have open lab time for specific help. Also you all have been great about responding to questions I've sent.
• What ideas do you have for using this tool? I'll be using google forms to have students register for the STEM Expo. I'm expecting over 400 students. I'm nervous...

Challenge: Google Forms

Link to my Google Form:  http://goo.gl/forms/T9sgjjgDtP 

Reflection:

• What did you create, and why? I created a survey to send to students who have registered for the STEM Expo, but have indicated that they have a component in their project that should have had prior permission for inclusion. It is a way to double check that students and teachers are following the required safety and ethics guidelines with their work.
• What went well for you? I liked the Google Apps Training and Help. I also liked that the New Google Forms were easy enough to figure out for 80% of what I need to know.
• What was challenging? I still have some questions. I will be bringing these to the Open Lab Time tomorrow.
• Is there an "undo" option? I could have used that a couple times.
• Aaargh! Why doesn't Google Forms allow me to use the "continue to section" feature in modes other than multi-choice or choose-from-a-list? I wish I had more control over that. It took me a long time to reorganize my question sets to get what I wanted.
• Don't like the way the work page bounces around when I select question type. It's distracting.
• How can I change the font, add italics, etc.?
• What does "data validation" mean? 
• What is the easiest way to find all of my google forms in my google drive. I'd like to be able to pull them all up together.
• Where to google forms get stored by default?
• Not sure what Label I should use for this blog - going to just go with "google" because forms isn't an option.
• What did you enjoy? I LOVE learning how to use GAfE on my own time, when I need to know how to use it, but also knowing that you have open lab time for specific help. Also you all have been great about responding to questions I've sent.
• What ideas do you have for using this tool? I'll be using google forms to have students register for the STEM Expo. I'm expecting over 400 students. I'm nervous...