I began with Google Docs. I practiced this week as I wrote out my interview paper for this class. I named the document first. Next, I learned how to attach a header and page numbers within the document. I have found the "insert" button to have very similar features to Microsoft Word. The suggestions for fonts, font sizes, color, and shape all seemed quite easy to navigate. According to APA standards though I needed 12 point Times New Roman for this paper. Times New Roman is not a standard font for Google Docs, Arial is the standard, so I had to search for it. I also tested out the capability to center, left align, and right align. It was very nice that I didn't need to save my document at all - a feature my students will love! No more, "Oops! I forgot to save!" So, no more excuses about lost assignments - if they did it then it will be in their Drive. All of the features in Google Docs are very simplistic, which I believe will be beneficial for all my students, but particularly my students on IEPs. Another feature that I like is the ability to "Google" items directly within the document. Students will not need to open a new tab to search for something, they can simply click on "Tools" and then select "Research" or press the Control+Shift+l and the research box will appear. Our students also have the basic version Google Read and Write on their Chromebooks - so they have the speech to text feature as well. My continued goal is to research Google Add-ons and find out what other cool features they can use. To finish up the assignment, I went to "File" and then "Download As" and then selected "Microsoft Word" to create a document to be turned in. However, when I start using Google Classroom this won't be necessary. It was a great week for exploring Google Docs!
My unexpected twist to the week was discovering Google Hangouts on Air!
For the interview assignment, I wanted a way to interview my colleagues without leaving my home. I also wanted a way to record them so I could review their answers and have something to refer to in the future. As I researched Google I discovered that the best way to do this was with Google Hangouts on Air. I have used Google Hangouts before but that is simply a video chat. With on Air you can live stream the discussion, record it, then it automatically uploads to your YouTube account as a video that can be viewed at any time. I wasn't sure how to use it, let alone teach one of my colleagues to use it - so, I went to Google for help! After an hour or so I was able to figure it out and then test it out with my husband who was sitting at work. I ironed out the kinks then requested interviews from about five individuals. Two were available and had access to computers with cameras. I gave them instructions on what they needed to do then I "invited" them into the video conference. Below, you will find the videos that were created. The first one had a few errors - as my colleague was in a hotel with poor reception, but the second one went well without any issues! It was a great learning experience and my mind is busy generating multiple ideas on how to incorporate this tool within my classroom next year!
INTERVIEW ONE
INTERVIEW TWO
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