GOOGLE, Google, GOOGLE

     If you asked me a week ago what Google was, I would tell you it was a commonly used search engine. I would also mention that Gmail (a popular email source) is available through Google. That's it, no more, no less. WOW was I wrong! Google is so much more, there is a whole other piece to Google called Google Drive! 

     I guess I am so used to using the "old school" forms, documents, and presentation tools, that I never thought to investigate anything else. Well, that and, to be honest, new technology is slightly intimidating to me. I know though feel like I am in the "loop" with all Google Drive has to offer. Let's look at a few of the features of Google Drive. 

Google Forms:

     Google forms can be used for anything! I created a Google form to discover, understand my students' reading behaviors. Information gained can help me to better plan for reading to ensure that all students can find an interest in books and activities within reading units. Forms can include quizzes, tests, questionnaires, and the list goes on! 

Google Drawing:

     Not only can you use templates in Google Drawing but you can also start on a blank page and create your own "drawing". Students can use this tool to put all their thoughts on "paper" (so to speak). It is new way for students to gather and present information. 
     
    Google Drive also contains Sheets, Slides, and Presentations. While I played a little this week with these, I am still wandering through the ins and outs of each app. Another Google Drive feature I loved was all the templates you can choose from to utilize in the classroom. Everything from recipe cards, to note taking pages, to rubric guides, to scripts, and much, MUCH more!  So go ahead, take some time, log into your Google account, go to DRIVE and explore what works for you and your students.