Using Google Drawing

During writing time today, Mr. Sosa had his third grade students access their Google Drives to brainstorm and rough draft their writing. Students used Google Drawing to make an idea web for the writing topic: "activities I like to do outside". After the web they made a Google Document to start their rough drafts. They created these documents in a shared folder so that students can edit and revise collaboratively inside and outside of school with their peers and teacher. Mr. Sosa loves that he will be able to access their writing at any time to leave comments on their writing without the hassle of lugging 20 writing journals around. 

Students Receive GMail Accounts

This year RRISD has introduced Google Apps for Education, GAFE, for elementary students in grades 2-5. These accounts give students access to an email account and Gooogle Apps that include Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Sites, and the Chrome Store. 

Student activity is monitored using a tool called Gaggle which will let teachers and administrators know if problems arise. Student accounts are for educational purposes only.
 
Students may use their Google Drive accounts to work on some of their assignments at home and to work collaboratively with their peers. Teachers can communicate easily with students and give them specific and timely feedback.
 
Here are some of the capabilities:

• Gmail: Students may email their teachers. Currently, student to student email is disabled, and students cannot be emailed by anyone outside RRISD.

• Google Drive: Students can create, edit, and collaborate on documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and drawings with their teachers and peers. Google Drive is available anywhere the student has access to the internet.

• Google Calendar: Students may create and use electronic calendars.

• Google Sites: Students may create web sites that are managed by RRISD.

• Chrome Store: District approved apps and extensions are available in the Chrome Store. These educational apps may be added to enhance productivity and student achievement.

The fun part of all this is to see the students' total involvement when we introduce it to them. Mrs. Gros sent a letter to all her students.  Read her email to her students below and the precious reply she received.

Hello My Sweet Second Graders,

I am excited to tell you that you have your very own school e-mail account to use for learning at school.  I think this is going to be a fun way to learn at home and school. Please respond to me and send me a note! 

Love,
Mrs. Gros

Student's actual reply:  

dear Mrs.Gros,

Thank you Ms.Gros for letting me have my first Gmail acount! I love you!

Third Grade has Ventured into Google Drive

Mr. Sosa's third grade class has ventured into Google Drive even when he is away. Recently, Mr. Sosa was at a science training off campus. During writing time, students were on their Google Drive typing up their personal narratives. During Mr. Sosa's break at training, he decided to check in on them to see how they were doing. Here is a screenshot of what he saw and how they communicated even though Mr. Sosa was not there with them! Technology! Amazing!

School and Technology begins at Caraway for 2012-2013

Kathy Caraway Elementary is off to a new school year.  We had a smooth beginning. Lots of happy faces came through our doors.
Before school ever started, Bunny Barnard, our instructional technology specialist, provided professional development for all the teachers and staff to introduce our new Google Email, Calendar, and Drive. Many people were surprised with all they could do with their gmail!
Then on Tuesday, we began our first ever "Tech Get-Together," hosted by our 4th grade teacher, Gareth Cook. We had a full computer lab of teachers and staff.  Gareth wants it to be informal, strictly voluntary, a come and go time to introduce new sites, troubleshoot problems, and share ideas.  Our first Tuesday focused on Google Mail, Calendars, and Contacts.  We revisited our recent training and cleared out any fog that might still be lingering.
We also addressed our newly created lunch schedule, created by Casey Henegar, for teachers to be able to send their lunch count to the cafeteria via a Google Spreadsheet.  Then our cafeteria manager, Steve Ho, can have the entire school count on one form already calculated for him to take to the next step in his daily procedure.  We made an instant icon on the teachers' desktop for easy access.
Next week, we plan to focus on Google Drive.