Google Sites

Google Sites

I created a Google Site about The Outsiders. Each quarter, my students complete a book project. This quarter, one of the options is for them to make a website about their book. I knew that they would have access to Google Sites, so I wanted to learn more about it so I would be able to help them. All of our students have read The Outsiders, so I figured that would be a good book to use. I created not only a good example for the kids, but also a site that has some good information to introduce the book to students. I also was able to upload one of the pre-reading activities that I use before we start The Outsiders.

Google Sites is very user friendly. It was pretty easy to get started and add new pages, insert images, videos, links, and upload documents.

It was a little challenging to get the background set up, colors, and upload images for the heading. I watched a really handy video from the Google help menu and after some trial and error, was able to figure it out. I had started with a blank page and wanted to add some color and design. I also had a tough time reorganizing the pages I had created. I am sure that there must be an easier way to do this then how I was doing it. I am going to have to look into this some more. I am sure my students will have this same question.

I really liked how easy it was to get started and do the basic creating of the site. It makes the prospect of creating a website seem much less daunting. It also looks much more professional than I would think that I would be able to create.

I really like the idea of kids being able to create their own websites to share information. It seems like not only a great life skill to have, but a good way to share information about something. I was also reading the articles about creating webquests. I have used webquests before in class and they have been very successful. I had never thought about creating one of my own. However, Google Sites would be a great starting point for being able to create a webquest for topics that are covered in class but don't have as many resources available.

Link to site: https://sites.google.com/a/edmonds.wednet.edu/the-outsiders/home

Google Sites

Google Sites

I created a Google Site about The Outsiders. Each quarter, my students complete a book project. This quarter, one of the options is for them to make a website about their book. I knew that they would have access to Google Sites, so I wanted to learn more about it so I would be able to help them. All of our students have read The Outsiders, so I figured that would be a good book to use. I created not only a good example for the kids, but also a site that has some good information to introduce the book to students. I also was able to upload one of the pre-reading activities that I use before we start The Outsiders.

Google Sites is very user friendly. It was pretty easy to get started and add new pages, insert images, videos, links, and upload documents.

It was a little challenging to get the background set up, colors, and upload images for the heading. I watched a really handy video from the Google help menu and after some trial and error, was able to figure it out. I had started with a blank page and wanted to add some color and design. I also had a tough time reorganizing the pages I had created. I am sure that there must be an easier way to do this then how I was doing it. I am going to have to look into this some more. I am sure my students will have this same question.

I really liked how easy it was to get started and do the basic creating of the site. It makes the prospect of creating a website seem much less daunting. It also looks much more professional than I would think that I would be able to create.

I really like the idea of kids being able to create their own websites to share information. It seems like not only a great life skill to have, but a good way to share information about something. I was also reading the articles about creating webquests. I have used webquests before in class and they have been very successful. I had never thought about creating one of my own. However, Google Sites would be a great starting point for being able to create a webquest for topics that are covered in class but don't have as many resources available.

Link to site: https://sites.google.com/a/edmonds.wednet.edu/the-outsiders/home

Challenge: Google Drive

Yes, I am totally in the mood today to work on my Professional Development because it is so awesome, so I'm on class three today.

For me, this is fairly straight forward. Google Drive is something that I have been working with in the classroom on and off all year, going into the middle schools with the one to one programs, and I use it fairly heavily in my personal life as well. It's been wonderful to be able to share things with others and collaborate.

I did learn a few things from this, seeing that you can run it from a USB drive, which is news to me.

I really didn't have too many challenges with this challenge, which is good. I am glad that we are developing the different uses with this.

I feel like Google Drive lends itself to collaborative work and I really like how Google Classroom interacts with Google Drive. It definitely helps develop good document management, which is important.

Challenge: Google Drive

Yes, I am totally in the mood today to work on my Professional Development because it is so awesome, so I'm on class three today.

For me, this is fairly straight forward. Google Drive is something that I have been working with in the classroom on and off all year, going into the middle schools with the one to one programs, and I use it fairly heavily in my personal life as well. It's been wonderful to be able to share things with others and collaborate.

I did learn a few things from this, seeing that you can run it from a USB drive, which is news to me.

I really didn't have too many challenges with this challenge, which is good. I am glad that we are developing the different uses with this.

I feel like Google Drive lends itself to collaborative work and I really like how Google Classroom interacts with Google Drive. It definitely helps develop good document management, which is important.

Challenge: Google Calendar

Google calendar link

So, if you would like to see the calendar I made for my Library TA, please feel free to select the link above. I put in some reminders for her and set them to help her out when she is headed to class with me. I know it may seem silly, but I really do take watering the plants seriously, as I really don't want to kill the plants in the library.

It's fairly easy to use the Google Calendar interface, since I use it heavily in my own life. This whole activity went pretty well for me. I didn't have any huge hiccups or stumbles. I really enjoy that I can link the calendar to my phone's calendar and I have access to it wherever. I also like that I can see my significant other's calendar as well, so we can track who is where when. We both are busy so it keeps us on task. Also, I like the fact that I can set reminders, as well as have a standard set of reminders be put in right away within the settings.

I think my challenges in this challenge was finding enough activities to put into the calendar. As I don't have a normal class load for a teacher (I'm in the library this semester), I don't have a ton to put in. I had to be somewhat creative. But I like the idea of having the ability for her computer to remind her to do tasks, rather than me nagging.

I think there is a lot of cool ways to use this technology. I already use it for my school's library check out. Not everyone uses it all the time, but I have one place I can always point them to when they are asking if they can come into the library. It helps me be organized as well. We also use it to communicate the link to our school's video announcements every day. We preload the links so they are ready and each teacher is able to just copy and paste when the day starts. That really helps with getting the announcements out to everyone.

Challenge: Google Calendar

Google calendar link

So, if you would like to see the calendar I made for my Library TA, please feel free to select the link above. I put in some reminders for her and set them to help her out when she is headed to class with me. I know it may seem silly, but I really do take watering the plants seriously, as I really don't want to kill the plants in the library.

It's fairly easy to use the Google Calendar interface, since I use it heavily in my own life. This whole activity went pretty well for me. I didn't have any huge hiccups or stumbles. I really enjoy that I can link the calendar to my phone's calendar and I have access to it wherever. I also like that I can see my significant other's calendar as well, so we can track who is where when. We both are busy so it keeps us on task. Also, I like the fact that I can set reminders, as well as have a standard set of reminders be put in right away within the settings.

I think my challenges in this challenge was finding enough activities to put into the calendar. As I don't have a normal class load for a teacher (I'm in the library this semester), I don't have a ton to put in. I had to be somewhat creative. But I like the idea of having the ability for her computer to remind her to do tasks, rather than me nagging.

I think there is a lot of cool ways to use this technology. I already use it for my school's library check out. Not everyone uses it all the time, but I have one place I can always point them to when they are asking if they can come into the library. It helps me be organized as well. We also use it to communicate the link to our school's video announcements every day. We preload the links so they are ready and each teacher is able to just copy and paste when the day starts. That really helps with getting the announcements out to everyone.

Challenge: Google Sheets

I love podcasts. I really do. I spend a lot of time driving and crafting, so something that doesn't require visual input but that engages my brain is great. One of my favorite podcasts is Stuff You Should Know, which has been around since 2008. They cover all sorts of different topics from the relevant to the bizarre, with many topics tying into content areas. They have a fun way of approaching the information, giving multiple viewpoints, and don't make judgement (at least most of the time). They also are hilarious. Which is where my product for this activity comes in. I created a spreadsheet that I would have everyone work on collaboratively after listening to a podcast episode. My thought was to create groups, task them with different approaches to assessing that they listened and got something out of it, and have a reference sheet that everyone can access. I also played around with a few of the add ons to see what I like.

Overall, I really enjoyed this interaction with Sheets. Looking over the material, it looks like I was using the new version, which works very well. I like that the wrap text option is easily accessible. The protect feature is great so that I don't have students changing the groups I assigned. I also like that there is a range of options when it comes to protecting portions of the document.

I used the add on "rostersync - Teacher edition" which pulled data from my Google Classroom, so I didn't have to type out everyone's names. I would have liked it to put both first and last names in one cell, just because that is easier to manage for information's sake, but at the same time, it still was able to do what I needed it to do.

I did have a bit of a problem trying to find where the Freeze control was, because rostersync froze my top row when I imported my roster. But I am glad I found it and it has the options that it does, so that I can adjust what is locked for students. I actually like the interface with this function within Sheets better than with Excel, just saying.

So here is my sheet. It is pretty generic, so that I can reuse it for multiple assignments.

Challenge: Google Sheets

I love podcasts. I really do. I spend a lot of time driving and crafting, so something that doesn't require visual input but that engages my brain is great. One of my favorite podcasts is Stuff You Should Know, which has been around since 2008. They cover all sorts of different topics from the relevant to the bizarre, with many topics tying into content areas. They have a fun way of approaching the information, giving multiple viewpoints, and don't make judgement (at least most of the time). They also are hilarious. Which is where my product for this activity comes in. I created a spreadsheet that I would have everyone work on collaboratively after listening to a podcast episode. My thought was to create groups, task them with different approaches to assessing that they listened and got something out of it, and have a reference sheet that everyone can access. I also played around with a few of the add ons to see what I like.

Overall, I really enjoyed this interaction with Sheets. Looking over the material, it looks like I was using the new version, which works very well. I like that the wrap text option is easily accessible. The protect feature is great so that I don't have students changing the groups I assigned. I also like that there is a range of options when it comes to protecting portions of the document.

I used the add on "rostersync - Teacher edition" which pulled data from my Google Classroom, so I didn't have to type out everyone's names. I would have liked it to put both first and last names in one cell, just because that is easier to manage for information's sake, but at the same time, it still was able to do what I needed it to do.

I did have a bit of a problem trying to find where the Freeze control was, because rostersync froze my top row when I imported my roster. But I am glad I found it and it has the options that it does, so that I can adjust what is locked for students. I actually like the interface with this function within Sheets better than with Excel, just saying.

So here is my sheet. It is pretty generic, so that I can reuse it for multiple assignments.

Challenge: Google Forms

As a substitute teacher, I always groan as I read notes saying that I have a day of “work periods” for projects or getting caught up on homework. While I have the skills as a teacher to manage the classroom, it’s hard to give feedback that can tie into students’ regular grades. And that is where I came up with exit tickets as a means for students to evaluate their own work ethic, as well as provide a numerical value for the teacher to use, if he or she so chooses, to input into the grade book.

I have some classes that I have covered so many times that they groan when they see the shortened URL on the board, since it is a fairly regular scenario. I try to change them up and ask funny questions as well, so they don’t always feel like it is the same form, although the foundation is the same. I’ve done the question series from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, what would you do if you won a million dollars, and other fun questions as a quick way for me to get to know the students. I always make sure that they are giving me a numerical value, as well as a record of what they actually accomplished. I think the challenge with these is making sure that they don’t take too much time in fun, but still are able to stay fresh with students. Also, I have had days where the URL is not very easy to read, so I always check before I post it so it does work easily.

So, without further ado, here is my form for you to take a look at! Form

Challenge: Google Forms

As a substitute teacher, I always groan as I read notes saying that I have a day of “work periods” for projects or getting caught up on homework. While I have the skills as a teacher to manage the classroom, it’s hard to give feedback that can tie into students’ regular grades. And that is where I came up with exit tickets as a means for students to evaluate their own work ethic, as well as provide a numerical value for the teacher to use, if he or she so chooses, to input into the grade book.

I have some classes that I have covered so many times that they groan when they see the shortened URL on the board, since it is a fairly regular scenario. I try to change them up and ask funny questions as well, so they don’t always feel like it is the same form, although the foundation is the same. I’ve done the question series from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, what would you do if you won a million dollars, and other fun questions as a quick way for me to get to know the students. I always make sure that they are giving me a numerical value, as well as a record of what they actually accomplished. I think the challenge with these is making sure that they don’t take too much time in fun, but still are able to stay fresh with students. Also, I have had days where the URL is not very easy to read, so I always check before I post it so it does work easily.

So, without further ado, here is my form for you to take a look at! Form

Challenge: Google Calendar

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=edmonds.wednet.edu_sgsjhsac4uci8rlgjrhg0or8dc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles


I created the above Google Calendar

This was a relatively easy challenge to accomplish.  The calendar is intuitively easy to use and modify.  I learned how to set one up, how to keep it private or make it public.

One step confounded me as I could not find the correct "settings" to find the calendar address, having gone to the upper right hand corner that has a settings section as well.  However, I eventually found it.

Most likely, I will not use this tool on a regular basis as I already have a couple calendars I use with Outlook, I can see setting one of these up for public needs such as parent communication or for a specific purpose but for overall use I will keep the calendars I already use.

Challenge: Google Calendar

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=edmonds.wednet.edu_sgsjhsac4uci8rlgjrhg0or8dc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles


I created the above Google Calendar

This was a relatively easy challenge to accomplish.  The calendar is intuitively easy to use and modify.  I learned how to set one up, how to keep it private or make it public.

One step confounded me as I could not find the correct "settings" to find the calendar address, having gone to the upper right hand corner that has a settings section as well.  However, I eventually found it.

Most likely, I will not use this tool on a regular basis as I already have a couple calendars I use with Outlook, I can see setting one of these up for public needs such as parent communication or for a specific purpose but for overall use I will keep the calendars I already use.

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...

Welcome! Directions for Blog Entry

Welcome!

This blog is the shared space for staff taking part in the Instructional Technology Online PD.  Through a series of creative and fun challenges you will build your own knowledge and skill using technology. The learning from each challenge can be used in your classroom with students, with your grade level/department or with your staff. Each challenge asks you to share your thinking on this group blog as a brief reflection. 

The reflection should capture your experience and your thinking about the challenge and the tool you explored. Please use ALL of these questions to help you as you write your blog posts and provide ample evidence in each of your answers to support the work you did: 

• What did you create, and why? 
• What went well for you?
• What was challenging?
• What did you enjoy? 
• What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families? 

Please use these questions as a starting point and add any other thoughts and ideas.

Refer to the chart below for help with selecting the correct label to tag your blog post.

Label for Blog	Challenge
Google	Google Classroom
	Google Drive
	Google Sites
	Google Forms
	Google Sheets
	Google Slides
	Google Draw
	Google Maps
	Google Calendar
	Google Earth
	Google Keep
Chrome	Chromebook Basics
	Chrome Apps & Extensions
Website	Classroom Website
Database	Elementary and Secondary District Databases
Arts & Crafts	Arts and Crafts
Digitial Citizens	Digital Citizenship
Assessment	Formative Assessment
Infograph	Infographics
Videos	Interactive Video
	PowToons
	WeVideo
Blog	Blog
SmartNotebook	SmartNotebook
Flipped Lesson	Flipped Lesson
Photo	Photo Management
Online Reading	Online Reading
SAMR	Lessons Redefined
Interactive Presentation	Interactive Presentation
Research	Research Skills

                        

Welcome! Directions for Blog Entry

Welcome!

This blog is the shared space for staff taking part in the Instructional Technology Online PD.  Through a series of creative and fun challenges you will build your own knowledge and skill using technology. The learning from each challenge can be used in your classroom with students, with your grade level/department or with your staff. Each challenge asks you to share your thinking on this group blog as a brief reflection. 

The reflection should capture your experience and your thinking about the challenge and the tool you explored. Please use ALL of these questions to help you as you write your blog posts and provide ample evidence in each of your answers to support the work you did: 

• What did you create, and why? 
• What went well for you?
• What was challenging?
• What did you enjoy? 
• What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families? 

Please use these questions as a starting point and add any other thoughts and ideas.

Refer to the chart below for help with selecting the correct label to tag your blog post.

Label for Blog	Challenge
Google	Google Classroom
	Google Drive
	Google Sites
	Google Forms
	Google Sheets
	Google Slides
	Google Draw
	Google Maps
	Google Calendar
	Google Earth
	Google Keep
Chrome	Chromebook Basics
	Chrome Apps & Extensions
Website	Classroom Website
Database	Elementary and Secondary District Databases
Arts & Crafts	Arts and Crafts
Digitial Citizens	Digital Citizenship
Assessment	Formative Assessment
Infograph	Infographics
Videos	Interactive Video
	PowToons
	WeVideo
Blog	Blog
SmartNotebook	SmartNotebook
Flipped Lesson	Flipped Lesson
Photo	Photo Management
Online Reading	Online Reading
SAMR	Lessons Redefined
Interactive Presentation	Interactive Presentation
Research	Research Skills