Google Groups

 

Creating a Google account for this class has been the most interesting thing for me. I never knew that so many free tools were available. Our Google group assignment was my least favorite assignment this semester. Group work makes me very nervous because I do not like other students waiting on me to do something, or have points taken off if I make a mistake. For this assignment, my group had 4 members including myself. Our group leader started the story and then it was sent to each of the other members to add on to the story. If we were logged into the group, we could actually see the other person typing their part of the story. Another part to this assignment was to create a presentation. I chose to create mine on the Seasons. I did one slide for each of the seasons. On each, I included what the weather is like during that time and listed clothes that would be worn and activities that an individual could participate in during that time. I also found a cute video and song about the seasons which I included at the end. Google groups would be a tool that I would use only if I were teaching older children. It seems like being able to edit others work on the documents could cause issues if it is not monitored carefully. However, this might be a great tool to use for communicating with parents. This would really be a great tool for teachers to use back and forth with one another to share ideas and lessons.

The NETS-T standards that this assignment would fall under are:

2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

Allowing students to work with Google Groups would definitely bring a sense of community among the students. They would be allowed to use this digital tool to promote creativity and learning by helping one another. Teachers can also use this feature to communicate with other teachers. This would be a really quick way for teachers to share information with one another.

 

This is the story that my group members and I created:

 Susie’s Teaching Experience

Once upon a time, there was a little girl name Susie. Susie was in the third grade when she decided she wanted to be elementary school teacher. Every day when she got home, she pretended to teach kindergarteners. Of course, Susie thought she knew so much. She was in the third grade, and she was way smarter than the little kids so she thought. Susie’s family didn’t really understand why she wanted to become a teacher. Susie didn’t even like school that much! Nor did she try that hard to be a good student. The only thing she liked about school was being able to come home every day and play pretend. Susie’s reasoning behind this was that the teachers were always in control and they were so much smarter than everyone else. Susie’s family tried to explain to her that if she tried hard, she could become just like her teachers one day. (Jaime Starnes)

As Susie grew up, she became a better student. She worked hard because she knew she wanted to get into college. She went through middle school, high school, and finally college. The day she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, her parents and family clapped so loud for her. She was so excited to become an elementary school teacher. As time passed, Susie got her own classroom. She was finally in power and control of her classroom, but teaching wasn’t all that she thought. (Haleigh Taylor)

She got up very early on the first day of school and got dressed. When she got to school, she couldn’t wait for all her new students to come to the classroom. Once they were settled, she pulled out a book to read and had all the students move to the carpet. While reading, she felt something on her leg. As she looked down, Johnny had a pair of scissors and cut her brand new pants. Just as she took the scissors from him, Jesse throw a handful of crayons that smacked her right in the head. (Brittany Thompson)

Susie had never taken into account that teaching would not always be “sunshine and rainbows.”  This power she had always seeked was tested her very first day in the classroom.  How would Susie act to her students acting this way?  Could she handle it? Instead of losing her control after her new jeans had been ruined, Susie simply sat both students down and explained to them what they had done was wrong.  She made sure her students understood that this behavior was unacceptable, a learning exercise she learned throughout her life and during her schooling to become a teacher.  Susie took one day at a time and was always open to learning and had a successful life and impacted many students as an elementary teacher. (Evan Nichelson)