Innovative Learning Blog
This was the second time I have ever created a Google Forms document. Since I teach lower primary grades (second grade), certain technological tools, such as Google Forms, are hard to incorporate into teaching. For example, at my school, k-6, starting next year every 4th, 5th, and 6th grader will have a one to one ratio of students to computer devices. However, in my second grade classroom, next year I MAY receive 3 Chromebooks to be used among 25 students. At least two months of the year, any computer devices in my classroom are yanked away and given to upper grade levels for Statewide testing. Also, during testing, all teachers are told to turn off their cell phones and any Internet housing devices.
In an era of education trying to transcend literacy via technology, it seems counterintuitive to provide very little technology for lower primary grade levels, yank it away from them when there are upper grade level testing, and tell the teachers to not use an Internet device for periods of 2-3 hours during testing, which could last up to months. When technology catches up with lower grade classes, I think tools such as Google Forms and their Add Ons will become more relevant. I enjoy creating tests with Google Forms, however, my experience with Add Ons is very frustrating. I feel that middle school and high school teachers of this cohort, and tech savvy cohort members have had much more experience with Google Forms and Add Ons. I feel that this master's program has to do a better job at teaching Google Forms and the Add Ons. I used three Add Ons: Form Notifications, Survey Monkey, and Ultradox Trigger. Yet, I have know idea what an Add On is, how it is helpful, and if I actually used the three Ad Ons correctly. For future cohorts, I strongly recommend that there is a tutorial session for those that have had no experience with Google Add Ons and other Google Features that will enhance our Capstone and enhance our teaching.
5 Comments
Kelley S. Miller
6/17/2017 09:48:41 am
I hear you, Joe. Being in the "grey area" of technology is frustrating. At my middle school, we're encouraged to integrate tech frequently (and I do, because often it's useful). However, the simple logistics of having reliable bandwidth and availability of computers can make or break a school's culture of technology comfort. I could go days without using a pencil, but I need to know that it's there, on-demand, when I need it. The same goes with technology: it's got to be available, even when you don't need it, to become a fluid part of the classroom and planning. (Especially planning.)
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Karly Miller
6/18/2017 08:29:17 am
Hi Joe,
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Becky
6/18/2017 09:34:10 am
Hi Joe,
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Diane
6/20/2017 11:59:57 am
My add on experience was much like yours. I was frustrated and wasn't sure if I added things on correctly like notifications and survey monkey. I agree, they should have some time set aside as special training prior to taking the courses or within the course for us. I could have also used a weebly training session as well before starting. I know they have the video and tech person for weebly but it's not the same as an actual person training.
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First, your website layout/theme is slick and makes navigation and content consumption simple as opposed to, perhaps, my weebly blog. Secondly, the struggle is real to help students have access to technology; even at the high school level when it comes to elective courses, sometimes art students are left out like in my district.
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AuthorMy name is Joe Hall. I am an elementary bilingual teacher in Napa, CA. Archives
July 2017
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