What is it?

Google Apps is a collection of web-based applications that includes Gmail, Google Talk, and Google Calendar for communication; iGoogle for customizable start-pages; Google Sites for designing web pages; and Google Docs for text files, spreadsheets, and presentations.  Google Apps also uses online file storage capabilities that enable the user to gain access to their files and tools without having to install or buy new software, since the service runs within a web browser.

 

The standard edition is free to the public and includes messaging apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar and collaboration apps like Google Sites and Google Docs.  An annual $50 service fee is charged for every user using the Premier Edition and includes extra online storage capacity and additional business apps such as Google Video and Google Groups.  The education edition includes various apps from both the standard and premier editions and can be customized with the school’s branding. 

 

 

Who can benefit from using Google Apps?

The general market for Google Apps is students ranging from K-12 or higher education.  It is not surprising, since work can be saved on any personal computer and accessed again on a public media computer with no flash drives, cds, or emailed attachments needed.  The compatibility issue is circumvented when using Google Apps since all information is stored on a central server and authorized users can edit the files as they see fit.  This makes communication and collaboration between students, teachers, or businesses very simple and clear. 

 

Drawbacks

While Google Apps contains many helpful applications that facilitate smoother communication between parties, it is based solely off of the user’s access to the Internet.  No Internet means no access, it’s that simple. 

 

Tutorials

The following links will provide additional background information on each of the applications from Google Apps.

 

This video covers the basics in setting up and operating a Gmail account.

 

 

 

This site provides an explanation on what Google Video is and a number of helpful links that aid in file conversions, uploading, and additional tutuorials related to Google Video

 

 

This video offers a brief overview of the capabilities in Google Groups

 

 

 

This is a great introductory video on how to navigate Google Sites

 

 

 

  

Google Docs includes online documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.  The user has the ability to create, edit, and share information through each of these applications.  Here is a video explanation about Google Docs:

 

Here is an instruction video about how to use Google Docs:

 

 

 

 Google Talk allows users to engage in instant communication through text and voice capabilities.  Users can instant message, view status updates of others, and transmit files.  They can also make calls to anyone around the world for free and conduct conference calls.  Here is an instructional video about Google Talk:

 

Google Calendar allows the user to schedule events, share events, and access their calandar through portable devices.  Here is an instructional video about using Google Calendar:

 

 

Teaching/Learning Implications 

 

Listed below are a few lesson plans that implement using Google Apps in a mathematics classroom.

 

 

General Google Docs Lesson Plan

This lesson plan requires students to create and share new documents and folders in Google Docs.  It includes step-by-step instructions to help students accomplish this goal.

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/CIUsingGoogleDocsTutorial712.htm

 

 

The following link opens up a mathematics lesson plan on calculating the dimensions of the human body using Google Docs   

Human Dimensions Project

 

 

Listed below are a few sites developed by teachers using Google Sites to create a website structured to improve math literacy

Mathwords

Mathcats

 

 

Check out what teachers are saying about Google Apps...

   

Google Docs

"Send out quizzes via Google Docs Forms - and then score them in spreadsheet view with a formula cell. Instant grading!"

Dana, San Francisco, CA 

 

"Have students work collaboratively on a document or presentation and check the revision history to see how much time and effort has been put in by each student."

Christine Archer, CO

 

"Teach and learn writing by write an Article in Google Docs Document together and let co-writers pay attention to his/her partners' writing procedure and skills." 

Chunlei, Beijing

 

Google Sites 

"Create a Course Website shared by the teacher to all students to share syllabus, lecture notes, take home Hw's and supplemental material. Students can leave comments and Ideas on the site as well." 

Mohsin, Mountain View, CA   

 

Google Mail

"Email students who need help with homework. It saves HOURS of in class explanations, and allows students to get their homework done before class." 

GraemeCampbell, Bowen Island

 

"Send out weekly assignment and quiz reminders so students know what's coming up." 

Miriam, San Francisco

 

"Create a group email with all the students in the class and allow them to have discussions on topics of interest to the course or class." 

Mohsin, Mountain View, CA

 

Google Talk

"Use a Google Talk "chatback" badge on your website to let your website visitors chat with you while you're in Google Mail Chat or Google Talk - http://www.google.com/support/talkgadget/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=86171" 

Dana, San Francisco, CA

 

Google Calendar 

"Create a calendar of any study groups that students are welcome to join." 

Patchharris, Melbourne, Australia

 

"Create a calendar to notify students of exams/ quizzes and project due dates." 

Cindy, New York, New York  

 

Want more? 

Here's the link (click me!) for more teacher comments and ideas:

 

 

What about using Google Docs to improve our teaching processes?

Consider seating charts, lesson planning, homework, grading, etc.  This teacher recommends ways to use Google Spreadsheets to help with seating charts, Google Presentations for lesson planning, Google Calendar for assigning homework, Google Sites for grading assignments, and much more.  Check out the Google Presentation he made about it: 

 http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=0AWWzaaRnYL0HZGNmZzliNjZfMzgzNjk5c25tczY&hl=en

 

logSpot

Thanks to Anthony VonBank for posting this blog on his experience of implementing Google Docs in his school in addition to other 2nd generation web products!

  

Top 10 Reasons to use Google Apps in the Classroom

  http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/edu/sell.html

 

Resources

http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7035.pdf

http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/edu/communication.html

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://faculty.ssfs.org/~doschel/Images/FarSide.jpg&imgrefurl=http://faculty.ssfs.org/~doschel/&usg=__1Qq6EWHUuGlAHVTaT00B8fdC2k0=&h=399&w=316&sz=32&hl=en&start=2&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=mAjmk0F6dJpKeM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=98&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dteaching%2Bfar%2Bside%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7TSHB%26tbs%3Disch:1

http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/index.html

http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/edu/sell.html

http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=0AWWzaaRnYL0HZGNmZzliNjZfMzgzNjk5c25tczY&hl=en