7-4 Blog: Google Apps

Google Apps have many benefits for education but students need to be trained properly in using Google Apps and a cyber issues that arise from using apps like Google Apps. Which also means teachers need to be have a full understanding of the pros and cons of Google Apps.

Can Google Apps save struggling schools?

Google apps if used and taught correctly in schools can help teachers and administrators work together, teachers increase their PLN, teachers communicate with their students, reach students with various learning styles, and also help students learn to use various technological apps.

In the article Why Schools Are Turning to Google Apps the author discusses some of the reasons schools are turning to google apps to improve their schools and students. Google apps for education are free but the costs are from the changes to the IT infrastructure in the school. Schools are saving money by using google apps. Google apps help students work with the tools that they need to learn to use and keep them motivated by using tools that grab their attention. The last point in this article is preparing students for the real world by teaching them how to present their findings in a format in which would be used in their careers. For example:

“At Notre Dame, for instance, Engineering students keep a

running e-portfolio of the classroom projects with Google Sites. 

The digital accumulation of their college efforts will likely mean

 more to future employers than the bullet points on a resume”.

How can Google Apps help with professional development?

Google apps help connect teachers by providing free tools. Tools like blogger in which teachers share their teaching experience to others in which teachers can also comment and help improve teaching skills. Teachers can also follow other teachers to share and collaborate. Google hangout helps people come together which can help teachers share learning techniques through live videos.

What should the information technology (IT) department of a school district worry about if they decide to move towards a Google Apps system?

Security breaches and keeping information private is something that scares all schools and it is something to take seriously because security is a huge debate today which will affect everyone. The documentary Terms and Conditions May Apply should be viewed by all as it discusses the issues with agreeing to the terms and conditions when using apps.

Google feels they have addressed this issue in security and privacy first in the benefits of Google Apps for education. IT will need to work on making sure their student’s information is secured to keep adhering to confidentiality laws.

How would you use Google Apps in the classroom to benefit students?

By having all the students have a Google account I can share documents easily with the students so I can use less paper in my classroom. Google drive also helps students pick various formats to present final presentations. I also enjoy Google hangout which students can use to reach each other when collaborating on assignments. The number one benefit is that students will be able to access their work and classroom information even out of the classroom allowing them the opportunity to keep working at their own pace.