The Greatness of Google!

Creative Google Reel

Google is taking over the world...and rightfully so! Before taking IT 7360, I used to think Google was just a search engine...boy, was I wrong! It is so much more. In this blog, I will discuss many of Google's products that can be helpful inside and outside of the classroom. Click the link above to see creative ways Google has been used so far!

Google Alerts

With Google Alerts, you can get the latest news on any topic you want sent right to your email. You can set how often you would like to recieve alerts as well as how many alerts you would like to recieve per email. This product can be a great resource in the classroom when studying specific topics. For example, if you are studying natural disasters in a science class you can set Google Alerts to give you all of the latest news about natural disasters. Currently, there are 5,829 news stories on natural disasters. Some of those might make for a good class discussion!

Blog Search

Blog Search is an easy way to locate different blog stories based on certain topics including polotics, technology, and science. Like Google Alerts, this is a great way to find different (but relevant) information for the classroom.
*Remember: Make sure to check sources

Google Directory

Google Directory is like the regular Google search engine except that it is divided into categories. This makes it easier to find information on your topic. For example, if you are a science teacher teaching a lesson on DNA you just click Science> Biology> Genetics> Organelles and it takes you to websites about mitochondrial DNA.

Google Images

Google Images is a great place to find images for classroom projects especially because it features the LIFE photo archive. It includes pictures dating back to the 1860s (perfect for any Civil War projects)! It also has a sidebar of topics (people, places, events, sports, culture), which makes it very simple for students and teachers to find useful photographs.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is helpful when conducting research. It has articles, theses, books, abstracts, and court opinions. One of the best features is that it has a time period option, which is great if you are looking for the most recent information available. It will even help you locate the full text of an article. Teachers should definitely share this resource with students.

Google Docs

This product is a great way for students to work on projects together. They can upload their papers and other documents onto Google Docs and share them. This is an effective way to collaborate on a project while being in different locations. It can also be used as a way to submit assignments online or even as a way for students to do peer reviews on rough drafts.

Google Groups

Google Groups is a fun way to interact with students in the classroom or from all over the world! It is similar to uLearn at Georgia State University. You can start discussions through the site or through your personal email account. If is great for group projects because anyone can share, view, contribute to, and comment on documents. Google Groups can also be useful because teachers can answer questions students might have as well as give feedback on any assignments (even after school hours). I recommend teachers have a class Google Group as well as individual Google Groups for student group projects. A fun project might be to make a Google Group with a class from across the country or even the world!

Google Translate

This product translates text in over 50 languages. It can be used in any subject, but will probably be most helpful to use in foreign language classes.

Google Books

This product allows you to search for books online. If the book is out of copyright, Google might even have the whole book available to read online! If the whole book is not available, Google Books still includes good summaries or even the first few pages of the text. There are also helpful links that take you directly to where you can buy the book or check out the book from a library.

Google Reader

Google Reader allows you to get up-to-date information from all of your favorite websites! This way you do not have to waste time going to each one individually. Just add your favorite websites and blogs to your Google Reader page. You can also search topics if you want to find new websites. This can be useful in the classroom because it puts all your information in one place. It is efficient and effective since there is only a limited amount of class time.

Google Mobile

Google Mobile is a phone application. Once downloaded onto your phone, you can get the most of the products I mentioned above straight to your phone!