All Things Google

This coming school year the district has decided to give in and finally embrace Google in all its glory. About the only thing we could use Google for before this coming year was the search engine!  Google drive has never been accessible to us at the school.   I have used drive for personal things since its inception and have pushed for this to happen for several years.  In any case, I'm glad we are jumping on board and hope other teachers will use the tech as well.  To that point, I have been selected to conduct a one-day training workshop in August to teach HOW to use google in the classroom.  Not a short order.  Luckily, my master's classes are aligning perfectly for me to get the job done.

A few things about the workshop.  It's only a six hour day.  I'm not certain I can show them the arsenal of Google products in six days, let alone six hours.  I'll have to choose wisely and begin with the basics. I think they need to understand the wealth of things that can be done through Google products without overwhelming them into not using the technology.  Secondly, the workshop is not mandatory for our teachers.  I tend to think I'll get teachers who have an honest desire to use the tech (or at least I hope so!) 

I think the best place to start will be with simply explaining some things about using Google Chrome.  I think most will be familiar enough with the browser to show them a few tricks like bookmarking sites and and Apps toolbar.  Then, I'll dive into the drive.  I hope to just get through the fundamentals of the google drive suite (docs, slides, sheets, forms, etc.), making sure to give them time to investigate on their own as well.  I plan on creating an assignment for them to collaborate in small groups. If I can get through those 2 things, I'll consider that a day well spent.  

I think as long as it is designed with thought and intention, it will be well received and having the ability to create while still earning some credits for school is a bonus.  Wish me luck!