Google Apps in the Classroom

I was amazed by all the innovative things you can do on Google Apps. As a Learning Support Assistant for the past 5 years, I have seen the LS Teacher go crazy year after year with writing up IEP's (Individual Education Plans). She would go back and forth with the Speech Teacher, Counselor, and homeroom Teacher, trying to collect data and information. It would take her hours, if not days, of trying to get all the information together in one document. This past year I believe, the school has purchased such an app( or created one) such as the Google app's because now , she is able to look at the document on screen, and share her updates with everyone- they can also add to the document. What a time saver!

Google apps could also be used as a behavioral tracking device with students- if the teacher assigns a calender to a specific student, everyone that needs to see his behavior for the hour, day, etc can see his progress- they can also keep this as data for IEP meetings to show parents progress or setbacks.

It is a great tool in the classroom as well. I like how students can track progress during a science experiment or any project and keep each other updated on their individual progress. This would also allow teachers to view the progress of the group as well as each individual, to see that they were all doing their share. Graphing can be used in math as well as science, reading projects could take on a whole new dimension with music/pictures/videos that the students can incorporate and share with the class.

I believe teachers would be so thankful for many of the apps available(if they would take the time to learn).