Thing 12

I have been using Google tools extensively for some time now. I use Google Calendar, Google Alerts, Google Maps, Google Earth, Google Play, Google Bookmarks, and Google+. Alerts and Calendars sync well with my smart phone so that I can have my schedule with me at all times. Google Play allows me to get applications for my smart phone that can be useful in many different ways. Google Bookmarks allows me to save important websites and a description of each so that I can access them on any computer using my Google account. My Google account has my personal information already saved on it since I have been using these tools for a while; therefore, I can't really save links to much here.

There are many Google tools that are relevant to education. For example, during high school I was introduced to Google Earth by one of my teachers. We were able to look up different parts of the world from right there in the classroom. It gave us insight into where other countries were located. When studying History, I would just look up the area being studied. Google Maps even gives an ACTUAL image of the place you search. Alerts and Calendars can be used in education to keep up with schedules and due dates for assignments. School systems are moving towards giving students iPads. As a teacher, I could make a public calendar for the class I teach so that parents and students can subscribe to them. This would mean that nobody could say they had forgotten an assignment! This function has saved me quite a few times since I’ve been in college. Google Play has many educational apps available for Android smart phones and smart boards. I plan to use Google Play in order to find interactive lessons and educational games to use in my classroom.