There are so many different online tools to use in the classroom, it is hard to determine which one to use and when to use it. For me it comes down to ease of use for myself and my students, and what we are currently learning about. While teaching a unit on data and graphs that tool was a Google Tool, Google Forms. I am very familiar with Google Forms so that made it easy for me, Google Tools are easy to use, they are easy to edit, and easy for my students to use and create. The hardest thing about creating the forms was getting my first graders logged into their computers and Google.
Last year during our math unit on Representing and interpreting data, my first graders and I worked together to create a survey using Google Forms. After modeling how to do it I created a Google account for my class to log into and they worked in pairs creating a survey. They were deeply engaged and excited about there surveys. Once these were complete and I had a chance to look them over The students set up shop and took turns filling out each others surveys. Once we did that we had the opportunity to go out into our school and survey other classes to gather more data. The kids loved this!
Using the Google Form to survey others about something that interests first graders was a wonderful use of this technology. This made learning meaningful and fun for every student no matter what their educational needs were. Now I have examples for next year already stored on my Google Drive. After we gathered data the students were able to draw so much more from the different graphs they made.
If you are not familiar with Google Tools and how you can use them in your classroom I urge you to check out this workshop Using Google Tools.
Great read! I created a Google Account for my "class" this year- but then never followed through with it. I hope to this next year, especially after reading about everything you were able to do. So with one "login" multiple students were able to be logged in and working under the one account? That was my hand up and worry. Anxious to hear about that piece!
ReplyDeleteI had about ten groups of students working on seperate computers developing their survey using Google Forms logged in under our class account. That wasn't a problem at all.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blogs. I can sense your enthusiasm and creativity with your students. I am a 2nd grade math teacher so I find your information appealing. I love sharing student work samples from the previous year to the upcoming class. I think it is great motivation and gives them a preview of what to expect. I try to save samples of everything. That's why I love google drive!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I try very hard to be creative and share what works in my classroom with others. Google has changed the way I plan and teach. I love it.
DeleteThis is a great idea Jay! I teach 4th grade math and even at that level, they still need practice graphing and this would make it much more engaging for them I believe. Our fourth graders all have their own Google account which is very nice. I have used Google Docs and Google Slides several times but I am always looking for more ways to use all the amazing tools Google has to offer. Thanks for sharing!
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