Google+Apps

Google has created a series of applications that are proving to be very beneficial in the classroom. Some of these applications are Google Docs, Google Maps/Earth, Google Sketchup, IGoogle, Google Sites, Google Reader and Google Forms. Because computers and technology are becoming more prominent in the classroom, it only seems fit to utilize what is out there for the taking. Below are explanations for three very popular and effective Google Apps that can be utilized in the classroom.

Google Docs
[|Google Docs] is an easy-to-use online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor that enables teachers and students to create, store and share instantly, and collaborate online immediately. Students can create new documents from scratch or upload existing documents, spreadsheets and presentations. There is no software to download, and all work is stored safely online and can be accessed from any computer.

Google Maps
[| Google Maps] is an application that allows for navigation and global exploring. Students and teachers can look up and addresses from anywhere in the United States, as well as other countries, and get detailed directions via a map. These directions are able to be changed and locations are able to be added in between the beginning and final destination. Students can also get views of these "trips" in map, satellite and street view.

Below is the link to an example of a lesson plan created for a 3rd grade classroom using Google Maps by Amanda Benz, Stephanie Parisi and Meghan Lynch. It is entitled "Google Maps" in that the students were asked to find directions from the University of Scranton (800 Linden Street, Scranton PA 18510) to Nay Aug Park.

Lesson Plan Link: [|Google Docs]

This is an example of the "map" version of the completed assignment. media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=800+Linden+Street,+Scranton,+PA+18510&daddr=Scranton,+Pennsylvania+18510+(Nay+Aug+Park)&hl=en&geocode=FWXPdwIdG4x9-ykX2Y-s0d7EiTE9jElI3o7d3A%3BFWW3dwIdWNR9-yEXupZ9HgNHow&mra=pd&mrcr=0&sll=41.403237,-75.648967&sspn=0.018091,0.038581&ie=UTF8&ll=41.40291,-75.64971&spn=0.00704,0.01798&output=embed" width="382" height="315"

This is an example of the "satellite" version of the completed assignment. media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=800+Linden+Street,+Scranton,+PA+18510&daddr=Scranton,+Pennsylvania+18510+(Nay+Aug+Park)&hl=en&geocode=FWXPdwIdG4x9-ykX2Y-s0d7EiTE9jElI3o7d3A%3BFWW3dwIdWNR9-yEXupZ9HgNHow&mra=pd&mrcr=0&sll=41.403237,-75.648967&sspn=0.018091,0.038581&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=41.40291,-75.64971&spn=0.00704,0.01798&output=embed" width="382" height="315"

Google Sketchup
[|Google Sketchup] is a 3D modeling program that can create, modify, and share 3D models for free. Many students learn better when what they are learning can be shown in picture form; imagine how students will learn when what they are learning is in 3D! When you are done, students can export the images, make a movie, or print out a view of what was created.