GOOGLE SPREADSHEETS

Spreadsheets have been around for a long time now but I have never been in a situation where I needed to use one.  However, with my programming background I have used a concept called an "array" which is basically the same concept without a graphical interface to it.  Because of this understanding of how to manipulate data the functions we needed to do to create a gradebook was not very hard at all.

The easiest thing about spreadsheets is having the freedom to see and set up your static values.  This way all the values needed can be accounted for.  Entering data can be a tedious effort so being able to split a large chunk of data into a smaller section is always helpful.  There are a ton of ways that spreadsheets can be used in everyday life or even in the classroom and their simplicity makes them easy to use for almost anybody.  I do not see anything about spreadsheets that are not clear and even if there was something it would probably be one of the many functions that are available.  However, there are quick resources that can remedy that problem.

The Common Core State Standards work perfectly with spreadsheets in the math standards.  It can be used in other subjects as well but math seems to be the most important and useful subject that spreadsheets work with.  They allow students to solve problems through critical thinking, formulas, and data management.  The main focus desired by using spreadsheets in math is so that students are able to process information with proficiency and accuracy.  This is definitely one of the pieces of software that is overlooked by many but once a student knows how to manipulate it effectively it becomes a go-to tool for anything it can be used with.

Google Spreadsheet Gradebook

http://goo.gl/4xZr2

GOOGLE PRESENTATION

The concept of a slide show presentation has been around for a while now and has been put to heavy use in both academic and professional settings.  Microsoft Powerpoint has been the leader in this technology for years until recently.  Other software has emerged that is both free and just as powerful if not greater than what Powerpoint can offer.  The most notable software is Keynote, Prezi, and Google Presentation.  I have not had any interaction with Keynote but I have put some time into both Prezi and Google Presentation.  A presentation for both of these formats will be linked at the bottom of the blog.

Powerpoint has all the bells and whistles that you could want for a slide show presentation, however, Prezi has changed the slide show from slide to slide into a one slide that is so big it appears to have multiple slides within it creating an incredibly unique feel.  If used correctly it keeps audiences more entertained and able to focus on the presentation since they are amused or amazed by the new coat of paint it seems to breathe into the slide show concept.

Google Presentation is what I would consider to be a Powerpoint copy with less bells and whistles.  While they have integrated the program with Google's search feature it is only a minor addition that is not incredibly needed but useful none-the-less.  All of the standard features that slide show presentations are known for are implemented and everything that Google Drive is known for is also added in which creates a wonderful work environment.  Another plus to Google Presentations is that the software exists within your browser window.  There is no need to install anything so no matter what computer you are on you will always be able to access and edit your work.

The Common Core State Standards begin to require that students "Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understand of presentations" as early as 5th grade.  Google Presentation is accessible at no cost for all students and is simple enough for a 5th grader to add a few pictures and textual information to increase the strength of their presentation.  In later grades students are required to use technology and the Internet to further their presentations and writing abilities.  With Google's search feature built into their online software this makes the process even easier without having to have multiple windows open.  Google Drive allows the students to be able to share documents with other students as well as their teachers for proof reading, editing, and easier submission. All of which are required by the Common Core.

While Google Presentation does not have every single feature that other slide show software has it does offer everything that a student will need for free and in a open setting to use anywhere.

Prezi Presentation
http://goo.gl/HxP56
Google Presentation
http://goo.gl/4vQrQ

TABLET OPTIONS / USES

Starting out I would immediately address the issue that the Principal has with the smallest kind of tablet devices.  (ie. iPod/MP3)  These devices are too small for proper use in the school setting and are easier to sneak below the desk for cheating purposes.  The iPad mini is a better option if the students feel like the standard iPad is too large or heavy for them.  The smallest tablet devices don't have the power and screen size to hold up to a standard one so they should be ruled out completely.

Each of the three major tablet operating systems have their own perks and downfalls and deciding on which one is best for a school system needs further research.

APPLE
Pros

• Apple has a site dedicated for education and their OS has plenty of educational apps already available for use in the classroom.  Educational discounts are also a bonus.
• Controlled hardware.  There is only one version of each iPad per generation as compared to Android where there are dozens of different devices.  Since each new incoming class will have the same hardware it is less stressful on the technicians to troubleshoot.
• Strong hardware.  Powerful processors, clear and crisp display, battery life long enough to last an entire school day, the smoothest feeling OS.

Cons

• More expensive than comparable Android devices
• No available physical way to increase storage.

ANDROID
Pros

• A lot less expensive than Apple and Microsoft tablets while having equivalent or a step lower hardware.  Slightly longer battery life.
• A lot more open to customize for school technicians. File structure feels more like a standard computer when navigating. 
• Some models are able to use removable storage media which allows for up-gradable storage space for apps, media, and files.

Cons

• No structured market for educational products or benefits for educational departments.  
• Too many options and models to adopt a specific brand or model for multiple incoming classes.  Hardware will constantly change.

MICROSOFT
Pros

• Very smooth OS with the ability to multitask on the same screen.  
• Hardware comes with a magnetic keyboard attachment, USB3.0 port, and microSDXC port.  PRO version adds 1080p resolution, a full version of Windows 8, and the ability to use the PRO utilities with a corporate domain.  PRO version is essentially a laptop.
• Comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Office Suite which students will need to become acquainted with.

Cons

• Very expensive.  The PRO version has lots of features that would essentially be overkill for standard use in the classroom.
• Very limited in its app market.  Other than MS Office and E-Reader the educational benefits are limited at this point in time.

Both Apple and Android's hardware have the ability to use "cellular" technology but it is definitely not something that should be considered for an educational setting.  I feel like if someone in the administration wanted to opt for a cellular device they should have to pay the difference in the cost as well as the monthly fee that comes with it.  Most schools have a wifi network that allows teachers to access internet and their network files and is more than sufficient for professional use.  This option to pay for a cellular device should not be given to the students because it will allow them to use the internet without restrictions the school network gives them.

After listing all of the pros and cons above it should help determine a decision the school wishes to take.  Tablets are definitely an incredible tool in which students can carry many books with them as a single object, have access to resources needed for further study, and most importantly enable the eagerness and excitement of having a tablet boost learning capabilities.  If used properly, the tablets would boost studying in a sense of being "fun" as well as properly respond to the different learning methods of children of this age of technology.

I would recommend the Apple iPad or the iPad Mini if in an elementary setting.  Apple acknowledges that their products are being adopted by educators and are showing effort in furthering the benefits of adopting their technology.  This alone should be enough to show which product will be worth the time and money.  However, the pros for the Apple products are really solid for a controlled environment such as education.

GOOGLE DOCUMENTS

After rebuilding my computer at the beginning of my Johnson undergraduate career I decided that I did not want to pay for the Microsoft Office suite due to the fact that I knew it would be updated sometime that year.  Since I needed a word processing application I used a program called OpenOffice that was free and was able to save in the .doc format that my professors would be using.  Since I had this program and it worked perfectly fine I figured there would never be any reason for me to change again.  However, once Google Documents, recently renamed Google Drive, appeared I was hooked.  I was given free storage online for my documents as well as free word, spreadsheet, presentation, and drawing processors.  Once again I was amazed at what they were giving away for free.  While these processors do lack some of the bells and whistles that the paid ones feature I feel like they are somewhat overlooked anyway.  If this is enough for me on a day to day basis then it should work perfectly as a proper tool for students learning how to use technology properly for future use in their academic careers.

The most incredible strength of Google's online word processor and document sharing cloud storage is the fact that multiple users can use the same document at the same time.  Users can use the chat feature to talk about how they want to write the document and then edit it and watch each others words appear on their own screen.  Google's save feature is once every 2 seconds so that does leave a small room for error to take place but should be small enough for quick responses and fast collaboration.  We have already used the document in class where we sign up for the topic that we will be presenting each week for our TEAM evaluation but I have also used Google Drive in the recent past to collaborate with my teammates on our capstone project.  I found that the editing feature was amazingly helpful and even when a person could not physically show up for our meetings they were able to join in with our document and add their own input from their own home.  This could make for easy grading or helpful input as a teacher to student documents but it also allows them to understand the importance of working together and through the use of technology.

The new Common Core State Standards that are being introduced seem like they are perfectly paired with Google Documents and their Drive feature.  By grade 4 they are expected to "use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting."  Google Drive is only accessible by technology and the Internet, produces documents that are written with keyboarding skills, and allows collaboration with others.  While there are other ways to do these same things Google has all of it and is easily accessible to anybody at anytime with an Internet connection.  I know that if schools begin to teach with the use of Google's products there will be a greater understanding of ease-of-use with technology between students, teachers and beyond.

GOOGLE CALENDAR

I have not used Google's calendar feature as much as I have used their GMail.  However, I have been using it for about 3.5 years now.  Once I upgraded to an Android smartphone I wanted to make sure that I was using it to its fullest even when my schedule of events did not necessarily require such precision.  After scheduling my full semester of classes, assignments, and due dates I noticed a few things about Google's calendar that was incredibly helpful and definitely things that can be applied to having an organized life as a teacher.  The biggest thing that the calendar does perfectly is share reminders with other Google users. It also syncs perfectly with Google's tasks feature and can turn each day into a properly scheduled agenda.

The first and most important feature of Google's calendar is the ability to share events and even whole calendars with one another.  As a teacher this can be an incredible feature for both students and other teachers.  Assignment reminders can be shared as well as meeting times or reminders of when grades are due.  If Google does get integrated into the classroom setting I would imagine that schools would start giving out emails for each individual student that would be attached to the GMail setting.  If this becomes the case then a syllabus could easily become a digital document and all of the students' assignments would be available to them on their own personal calendar from day one.  Also, if an instructor were to change the date of an assignment it would be visible to the whole class.  This feature can also be used in the administrative side to schedule and keep up to date with meetings, events, and other things that happen around the school.

When you are able to get two things done with one motion it always is beneficial to whatever it may be.  Allowing your tasks to be shown across email, calendar, and just the tasks themselves really helps for each day to be organized properly and effectively.  The calendar will take everything planned for the day in both calendar and tasks and combine them into one agenda for the day.  This can really help for the start of a day and will ease stress when trying to make sure that nothing is forgotten.  This simple one day agenda can be viewed online or even printed out to use as a checklist.  Definitely a wonderful tool for keeping clutter down and operational efficiency up.

After watching the tutorial videos in the iTunes store about using Google's calendar feature as a way to lesson plan I realized that there was a feature to the events that I never noticed.  While I can not see many uses out of it as a student or as someone that does not deal with paperwork all day long I can definitely see it as a wonderful organizational tool for the classroom.  Instead of keeping individual files on a flash drive, cloud storage, or whatever other medium you choose to use, the calendar allows you to upload a file that is already inside of Google Drive or a file that you may have created with another program.  It is not picky and does not limit you to any types of files.  If Google recognizes it on your computer it will upload it.  This means that any handouts, worksheets, videos, diagrams, etc. that you plan on using for class can be accessed just by looking at your calendar for the day.  No more hunting through files or remembering to bring your flash drive.  As long as there is access to Google you have everything you need.

GMAIL

Gmail is a resource that I have been using for a long time now.  While being a student there haven't always been that many things that I need to organize with email but I have definitely explored a ton of options with my limitations of what Gmail is capable of.  Some of the options that I find really helpful are filtering or labels, chat, and more recently the tasks list.

I remember signing up for a beta invitation to Gmail and being able to be one of the first to test it out and personally invite others that I knew to the program.  I've seen many features added and remade over the years and since the integration of Google and mobile devices, specifically Android, they have really stepped up their game to make it part of the best application suite.  Google is now known for its wonderful, seamless integration of its different applications and this is what makes it powerful.  As teachers we will need many resources at our fingertips and through Google we are able to send messages to parents, students, and other teachers while being able to easily sort each type of message with Google's labeling function.  This way we can filter addresses that we know into their proper folders and can easily split up our work load to deal with each one at a time instead of all together.

Google's chat feature has also been around for a while now but has seen more use within the past few years. Google offers a program called Google Talk which allows users to chat via instant message in the same way AOL, Facebook, and Skype does.  More recently Google has added in a video chat feature so that it may keep up with the more popular application, Skype.  While the chat feature should be used in a limited manner with parents and students it is a great way to keep in touch with other teachers during the day without having to send emails back and forth.  It allows for quick information to be shared, even in a group so multiple people chat at the same time, and it keeps conversations archived so they can be read like emails if you need to at a later time.

The tasks list feature has recently peaked my interest.  I got a smartphone about 3.5 years ago and as soon as I got it I started trying to incorporate as many features of it into my organizational habits as I could.  The first thing that I did was organize my Google Calendar with my class schedule and made reminders for every single class and homework assignment so that I would always be up to date.  While it was helpful for me I never was able to organize calendar events with others until my family got smartphones as well.  I can easily see tasks being shared between teachers or even students to keep up with meetings, gatherings, assignments, due dates, etc.  There are so many different options that a task list can be used for and I think once a person learns how to organize their life it is hard to break away from wanting to keep it up.

COMPUTER HISTORY

I have been using computers since I was only a year old.  I would obviously need help getting everything started but even at that time (1988-89) there were simple learning games for children.  I had a few Sesame Street games and other classic games to play around with.  My father had a few PCs as I was growing up and since he was interested I was interested.  When I was in 7th grade my father bought individual parts and showed me how to assemble a PC from nothing.  Since then I have had one to experiment with and I still consider it to be one of my biggest hobbies.  I stay current in tech hardware and some specific software programs.

Since I was brought up knowing a deep level of computer technology and how to use it I was always confused as to why people would pay so much for Macintosh computers.  I considered them limited and unable to be upgraded.  In a sense, a fruit that rots and eventually must be thrown away.  (Apple)  I still have a hard time telling people to buy a Macintosh because I know that their products have a quick turnover from each new generation.  However, not everyone has the knowledge of how to properly use a PC and that is the Macintosh's strength.  For what they give you it all works properly no matter what your level of expertise is.

One of the first things you said tonight allowed me to understand at least one importance of Macintosh computers.  What difference does it matter if there are PCs or Macs in an educational setting?  "It matters to the children."  While I have my own opinions and preferences it is true that Macs have obtained this notion that they are the "superior" or the most popular among computers and devices.  This view is definitely tied in with children today.  If doing something as simple as creating a Mac lab over a PC one allows them to focus more on learning in a fun way then I'm all for it!

While I do not own a Mac computer I have had many classes where I was able to use them.  I have an associates degree in Information Systems Technology with a specialization in Web Programming and Graphic Design.  I have spent at least 2 years working on one heavily while using graphic programs, namely the Adobe Creative Suite.  Since that was about 4 years ago there have been some new things that these videos have taught me.  They are simple things like smart folders and ease of access tools like zoom and keyboard shortcuts but they are all helpful to learn for anybody.  I feel comfortable doing everyday tasks on a Mac but I would be interested in learning the finer details so I may be able to help others troubleshoot their problems.  I worked in the Johnson IT Department for almost 4 years so I always get asked questions from other students.  It would be nice to be able to help my Mac using friends too.