I am amazed by the new version of Google Site, fantastic! My first encounter was in Spring 2009 where it was introduced in a technology class. And I had build everything from scratch and it was very time consuming putting in those html commands/codes. It's all history now. Upon preparation for the CI201 class, I discovered the new look and features of Google Site, which is fantastic.
To begin with, it is provided a number of different templates for different purposes, among which some are great for classroom use, such as project wiki and classroom templates. With the preset templates, teachers and students will not have to spend as much time in page layout. Moreover, the improved tool bar makes it a lot easier to embed images, videos, and tables and the ready set links to Google Docs features makes it really easy to insert document and powerpoint presentation onto your Google site. One really cool feature is Google Forms, which you can use to create a test, have it inserted on the Google Site and collect testing results sorted.
What is Google Site good for in classrooms?
For Teachers
It can be used as a class management tool. Unlike WebCT or Moodle, Google site are free and you can easily build a literacy lesson with this new version that promotes and encourages interactive and collaborative learning. In fact, that's one tool that I have included for my Technology Lesson Plan. Moreover, like WebCT and Moodle, Google Site can be set as a private and secured environment where only people invited are allowed access to.
Here's one simple lesson plan that I have created for my CI201 lab on Google applications.
https://sites.google.com/site/ci201section8fall2009/Google-Application-Lab
For Students
It can also be a good tool for students to build their class portfolio upon. I know we are currently using iWeb for CI201 students to build up their portfolio, which is easy to use. However, with Google Site, students will have more flexibility to incorporate their creativity and build up high quality portfolio website for their credentials.
I'll continue exploring further how Google Site can be integrated into classrooms and put it to practice for my Listening and Speaking class in Spring 2010.
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I feel like I only know a fraction of what is available for technology use in the classroom....and it is a very small fraction. I enjoyed exploring the site that you have created for your class. How do you stay current on all of the applications?
ReplyDeleteGreat site that you created for 201 - Wow!
ReplyDeleteI am using Google Sites to make a digital portfolio for another class. It is super easy and with just a little tutorial from someone who really knows what they're doing, you can do really cool stuff. I'm not Google Site savvy or anything, but it's fun to play with the various features.
ReplyDeleteYour site you created is awesome! How long does something like that take? I've never tried creating my own website or anything like that before, but this sounds pretty user friendly so maybe I'll give it a try. Looks great Diana!
ReplyDelete