Using Google Sites as a Teacher

The Link to the website I created is:

https://sites.google.com/site/firstdayofschooltipsandguides/

I have never created a website or been apart of the design process. I was excited to see how to create a website, because I plan on participating heavily on mission website in the mission field (or maybe a blog). I found using Google Sites to be very easy to learn and use. I struggled at first to figure things out at first, but once I figured out that the program works by editing each individual page it was a lot easier. Plus, I used the “Help” tab whenever I had a problem.

Adding subheadings and text was very easy. I was able to change fonts and sizes very easily. The process of inputting information was very easy. I thought that the tabs for layouts were easy to understand, and fitted my needs well. I liked how adding links, pictures, and other things were very easy to find and create. The part I had the most fun with was adding costume features to my website. I first began by just adding things like horizontal lines. Next I began to add footers and side-bar options to my website. Then I moved on to adding different colors and themes to my page. Each time I changed a color or added a special feature my website felt more official. I liked how in just a few short hours I was able to transfer information into a website that looks….sort of official….or at least not bad. To push my website overall the top, I also found a way to download a teacher apple as a favicon. So know a apple shows on website address bar. Overall, I found the process of creating a website on Google Sites to be very easy, and I look forward to finding more of the special features I have yet to know.

Google Forms: In-and-Outs

I used the http://www.atomiclearning.com/highed/en/gdocs_spreadforms link to learn about several ways to use Google spreadsheets and forms. The links began by focusing on the basics of a spreadsheet. I learned a few ways to create a cleaner form, and make it look more official and with less space. I then watched several videos about sending links of my forms to my students and others, as well as understanding the results of tests. The last portion of videos I watched focused on grading tests and doing so automatically through Sheets. I liked these videos, because they seemed to really be applicable to my future teaching. Automatic grading allows for less time focused on grading, and more time focused on my lesson and students. The process if done correctly seemed to eliminate many mistakes and problems. I liked how the videos showed that as my knowledge of Google and forms grow, then I will be able to create new forms faster and with more abilities for my classroom.

I followed the direction on the packet to create a test on Tennessee’s history. I learned how to create a test and link that information to a spreadsheet on Google. While creating the form test I learned how to create a test and multiple choice questions. Within that I learned how to make questions required and add new questions. The spreadsheet then recorded the answers, and compared it to answer guide I created. I then used “if-then-statements” to grade the forms. After grading all the forms automatically, then I found the averages and compared missed questions. I then learned to import the information from that form to another spreadsheet. Within doing that, I learned to text wrap, move columns, import individual answers, and alphabetize students. I liked how with just a few formulas all the quizzes could be graded, then I could import those grades to a separate document. I would like to explore other formulas that might be helpful to creating future forms and spreadsheets. I think I will definitely use my newly found knowledge of forms and spreadsheets, so that I can eliminate wasted time and make my overall job easier/efficient.

My Tennessee History Test:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wx3A5m872_NVe47tDPqt2gK4vID3zNp7iAQewP1Kfcg/viewform#start=invite

My Trivia Responses:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rR3LkG8YKS2UD2yk7Yc-I9DqJyJU1vJNu5Q7voVOZKI/edit?usp=sharing

My Imported Test Grades:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WG1SQcsA2su4fcFKRE-QEhr3Pmw09H0djYYMM7j62do/edit?usp=sharing

Graham says several things about using Google Forms and relates how they can be used to meet Common Core State Standards. Google forms help students become college and career ready. Forms help students be able to “present information, findings, and supporting evidence” in ways that may not be available in other teaching methods. They also allow for a deeper understanding of material that is often hard for CCSS. Using Google Forms also helps meet standards about using digital media and displays to express information about different topics. Also forms can be part of meeting standards that express the need to conduct research projects to solve problems and synthesizing multiple sources on a subject. Also Anchor Standard 6 calls for using tools wisely by students. In grade 4 students must also learn to quantify information using different charts on webpages to understand information in different ways. Google forms allow student to explore information using collaboration and thinking that relates directly to understanding content.

Exploring Augmented Realities in the Classroom

I found the article on “Augmented Reality in the Classroom” to be great support for the discussion we had on augmented reality in our last class. The article gives several tips on how to effectively use augmented reality, find the apps, recommends certain apps, and how to bring it into our future classroom through lesson planning and student involvement. The article recommends spending time choosing the best apps for each class, and then familiarizing with the app before class. The teacher then approaches the apps with the mindset of the content, not the app, must be the focus. I really like how the article points out the need to decide whether augmented reality will help with learning or is just a gimmick. I found the ability to make student’s work into augmented realities to be a really interesting idea. The key through all of the article was finding ways that augmented reality will enhance learning, so that students are both educated and entertained.

I tried Dinosaurs and Bunnies! App from group 1. I found these apps to be intriguing, but not very interactive. The Bunnies! app used the camera on the IPad to place bunnies around the room. The only educational function I could find was using it to look at bunnies on a lesson on bunnies. The Dinosaurs app also used the camera to place dinosaurs around the room, but also allowed for clicking on the dinosaurs. Once clicked, the app described the name and facts about the dinosaur. These facts could be used in a lesson, or once again to provide a up close look at dinosaurs. I think the Dinosaur app could provide an interesting hook on a lesson on dinosaurs. Both of these apps did not give the user many options to control the app. I would most likely only use these apps to take up time at the end of class or make available in free time.

I tried the Anatomy 4D and Quiver apps from group 2. The Anatomy 4D apps seemed to be a great tool to teach about the human body. The app allows for someone to take off layers of the human body to look at parts of the body like the circulatory system or bones, or look how the body works as a whole. This app provided lots of information on each part of the body and its function. My only complaint for my future classroom was that if the skin is applied, then the body is shown naked which may be a distraction. Maybe there is a way to prevent this or make a classroom rule. Overall, Anatomy 4D seemed to be great tool to use on teaching about anatomy or a positive way for students to spend free time. The Quiver app allows users to color “target pictures” that then come to life using the app. The app allows for the picture to do multiple functions, like kick the ball or ice skate. The app seemed to mainly be a way to have fun in free time, but perhaps could be used to make art fun or a lesson on colors. Both of these apps were much more student involved then the apps from group 1.

I think all of these apps could be used in some way in my future classroom. I would use the Bunnies! app only with children for fun. I would use the Dinosaur app with elementary students as hook for a lesson on dinosaurs, to learn a few facts on dinosaurs, or just for fun. I would use the Quiver app with any grade (I think even high-school students would secretly find it fun), but mainly for fun or perhaps as a reward for good work at the end of the day. I would use the Anatomy 4D app to teach about any of the specific parts of the body given in the app or anatomy in general. The app might also be good for a health class or just for fun. I like Anatomy 4D especially, because I think many different types of kids would find it interesting and learn fun facts while exploring it. I think overall that using augmented reality apps provides students a break from the typical learning lessons they receive, and puts them in situation to interact with technology, not just watch it.