The more I use Google Plus, the more I wish to be able to access it with my students. [I am moving on to a new job, away from online, but I realized this great resource while working in the last job.]
My school used Gmail for our email base, but G+ was disabled. There are so many ways to use G+ and I tried to persuade the IT guys to open it up for the students. We frequently use IM programs, previously Skype, and more currently GChat, so that is a great feature within G+ that we could use (although Hangouts may be the same within in GChat and G+). Only once did I use the face-to-face feature via GChat, but it was a great way for the student to show me her work. The student contacted me to assist her with a college level algebra class. Since it wasn't a common course within our curriculum I was unfamiliar with the material. She started up a face-to-face chat and was able to show me her worksheet, which of course allowed me to help her work through the problems. It was also a nice bonus to see the student 'in person' as we are a state-wide school and I don't get to see them that way.
G+ would also allow our students to connect to each other. We are always very cautious of online interactions because cyber-bullying can be an issue, but if students are using their school account to access it then we should be able to have more control there. If students are able to log into G+ at the start of their day, the courses they are enrolled in can use it to start conversations. For example, if the student is in Algebra 1A, he/she can put the course in their circle. Each day the specialist (teacher) can post a discussion or question for the students to participate in. They can see each other's posts, respond to them, and participate with their own ideas.
Hangouts in G+ allow up to 10 people to participate (I believe this number is correct, but double check before taking my word for it!). This would allow for a specialist to run group tutoring sessions with students. [Now I'm wondering if there's a way to record it and post it for students unable to participate live... I'll have to check that out.] Students can interact with one another and with the specialist to ask questions and even hook up with other students as study-buddies.
Several professional organizations and fun math groups are participants on Google Plus. Students would be able to follow these organizations and use them as resources. Of course, I'm partial to math since that's my subject, but this would be great for any subject. I can imagine a student following several groups based on history - i.e. city historical organizations or World War 2 fanatics and sources - and being able to use them for writing resources.
I would love to hear your ideas on using G+ in your classroom or online forum. There are so many resources available here, so please share!!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Pinterest and Education
Okay, so maybe I don't have to say this, but I'm addicted to Pinterest! I log on when I'm bored at work and just start cruising through the pins - it's so ridiculous. I've gotten to a point where, if I'm at work, I feel obliged to surf Pinterest for education materials. Score! That's turned out to be a really great idea.
Back in December, my online school decided to start having us record videos for students to upload to the curriculum. We should have been doing this years ago, but I'm glad we're finally at that point. The whole thing is still in 'pilot' mode so we can get a feel for it and the timing. In the math department, one teacher is holding a daily session, while the rest of us (ok, 2 of us) are recording chapter reviews sessions.
My co-worker and I have spent the last month recording sessions to post for student benefit. As I was gathering my materials and pulling information from the curriculum I realized that it would be nice to have some supplements - enter Pinterest. I've had to sacrifice hours (snicker**) to check out pins from other educators, but it's slowly starting to pay off. Many of the pins are meant for young children - pre-school to elementary, but I'm gradually coming across high school aged ideas.
An 8th grade teacher posted a road trip project she created for students working with proportions. Although my students are in high school, many of them are being remediated and working in Pre-Algebra courses, so it's great for them.
Several educators have posted clever charts for helping students remember algebra tasks which I look forward to sharing with them. One teacher has posted a list of rhymes and songs that she uses in her high school classroom to help students too - so awesome and funny!
Also, I'm a sucker for visuals and Pinterest is full of graphic charts about any- and everything! Here's a gem (who's link was no good - so I couldn't even give a nod to those that posted it):
Back in December, my online school decided to start having us record videos for students to upload to the curriculum. We should have been doing this years ago, but I'm glad we're finally at that point. The whole thing is still in 'pilot' mode so we can get a feel for it and the timing. In the math department, one teacher is holding a daily session, while the rest of us (ok, 2 of us) are recording chapter reviews sessions.
My co-worker and I have spent the last month recording sessions to post for student benefit. As I was gathering my materials and pulling information from the curriculum I realized that it would be nice to have some supplements - enter Pinterest. I've had to sacrifice hours (snicker**) to check out pins from other educators, but it's slowly starting to pay off. Many of the pins are meant for young children - pre-school to elementary, but I'm gradually coming across high school aged ideas.
An 8th grade teacher posted a road trip project she created for students working with proportions. Although my students are in high school, many of them are being remediated and working in Pre-Algebra courses, so it's great for them.
Several educators have posted clever charts for helping students remember algebra tasks which I look forward to sharing with them. One teacher has posted a list of rhymes and songs that she uses in her high school classroom to help students too - so awesome and funny!
Also, I'm a sucker for visuals and Pinterest is full of graphic charts about any- and everything! Here's a gem (who's link was no good - so I couldn't even give a nod to those that posted it):
So, pretty much no matter what you teach, you're likely to find something fun and new on Pinterest - Happy Pinning!!!!
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