WCSU Google Apps Updated Help Site

One thing that is constant in today's world is change and keeping up with technology tools for teaching and learning is a skill in itself. I have often found myself trying to maintain websites as resources for up-to-date information with all of the best tools and tips for teachers and students but I am realizing that it's not as efficient nor valuable as teaching them how to stay current and informed by developing their own Personal Learning Networks (PLN). Recently, I've been exploring the use of Google Plus for my own PLN and find it's the best networking system for connecting, collaborating and sharing ideas about education. It's less cluttered with my family and friends posts in Facebook, has more room for posting links, images, videos and writing than Twitter, and has dynamic collaborative tools like Google HangOut and Communities for working online with others. I'll be posting more information and video tutorials on using our school's Google Plus accounts as a collaborative platform for professional development and connecting with colleagues.

For now, I'm sharing our district's  WCSU Google Apps for Education resource site with links to Google's most recent tutorials and links on all of the Google Apps for education.

Chrome ToolBox

I've recently been working with a few of our teachers in finding technologies that will support their student's specific learning needs within our school's Google Apps domain. We have found that many of the Chrome Extensions and Apps allow for Universal Design where all students can work and be productive in our Google Apps for Education learning environment. Some of our first choice apps are ...Read&Write for Google Docs,  SpeakIt and Split Screen.  In addition, mobile devices such as Nexus 7, Android phones, iPads provide additional supports for quality speech to text in Google Docs with easy built in speech control (mic) within the virtual keyboards.

Below is a resource called "Chrome Toolbox" as part of the Doctor of Professional Studies for Education Professionals at Pace University program by John Calvert and Mark Surabian.

 

GoogleAppsDigitalEcosystem 2013

GoogleAppsDigitalEcosystem 2013:

A presentation I made to the Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association. I think the idea of understanding GAE as a learning system that offers opportunities for creativity and collaboration is important as we address Common Core and it's implied and embedded use of technology.

GAE Presentation