Google+for+Educators+-+1

With so many tools and applications available in the Web 2.0 world it can be very overwhelming for educators to know where to begin or even what is available. Thankfully the wonderful world of Google has created several opportunities and applications for classroom use!

The purpose of this In-Service Module is to introduce teachers to several of these options available, to guide them through the basic understanding of them, and to offer beginning suggestions on incorporating them into your classroom.

The first place I want you to go and explore is the Google for Educators site. Google has created several applications and products designed specifically for use in the classroom by students and teachers. Read through the recent news and projects that the Google company has been involved in or has instigated focused directly on classroom use. The possibilities are endless. At the bottom of the page you have the option to "browse all posters". Google has created informational and instructional posters to be used in your classrooms and in computer labs to help students and teachers navigate through some of the programs offered. They are //free// and ready to be used!

On the left of this page you will notice several links that you can click. The most interesting and useful is tools for your classroom. The list that you will see is quite extensive. The blurb at the introduction of this page will link you to the [|classroom activities] section. Go. Explore. Be amazed and inspired. You can search and find examples for specific grade levels. Also on this page are several Google Certified presentations presented at the National Education Computing Conference in 2007. These offer specific examples, handouts and lessons designed to help you incorporate Google (and all its wonders) into your own class.