The Google Suite is a powerful set of tools that are available to our students. It's a simple option for our classrooms since the deployment of Chromebooks and implementation of BYOD across our district. However, the potential and possibilities of the Google Suite are often under utilized in many elementary classrooms.
One way to reverse this trend is to make sure students know how to tap into the power of the Suite. Modeling and training students how to use Google Docs, Slides and Drawing provides opportunities for them to show what they know on any topic. Investigating the menus takes some time and lots of patience; however, it has been so exciting to demonstrate these skills! Once students understand how to use these apps, teachers can begin offering choices.
With every use, students become more comfortable with using mobile devices, choosing an app and creating a meaningful product of learning. Here are some things that have been created with students based on classroom needs:
- Word clouds in Google Docs
- Research reports in Google Docs
- Presentations using Google Slides
- eBooks using Google Slides
- Venn Diagrams using Google Draw
- Mini Posters using Google Draw
How will you tap into the power of the Suite? If you are still wondering how to get started, check out these links!
